Niall Collins
Question:1204. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32638/20]
View answerTuesday, 3 November 2020
Questions (1204)
Written answers
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) is the regulatory body for the professions of nursing and midwifery in Ireland. It has a statutory obligation to protect the integrity of the practice of the professions of nursing and midwifery and to protect the public.
Further details about the NMBI language standards are available on its website. Those who do not meet the required minimum test scores are not eligible to apply for registration; however, they can retake the test.
To register as a nurse or midwife, NMBI requires those applicants from EU/EEA and Non-EU/EEA countries who do not complete their training programme through English to demonstrate English language competency by achieving the approved score in a recognised English Language Assessment.
In April 2020, the NMBI applied amendments to its English language requirements for nurses and midwives who did not complete their qualifications through English. These amendments, which are the result of a review that began in 2019, better relate to requirements for day to day practice while ensuring that the appropriate standard of English language is still maintained. They also bring Ireland into line with other international health regulators who have also recently reviewed language standards. The NMBI intend to further review the amendments after 12 months.
In regard to visas, information provided by the Department of Justice and Equality states that applications for an employment visa on the Atypical Working Scheme for Nurses are processed in accordance with visa procedures. Applicants must satisfy English Language Competency and Qualifications guidelines of the HSE and NMBI. Employment visas applications are generally turned around quickly, but some types take longer than others. Carers, unless in a private domestic setting, are on the ineligible list of occupations and therefore will not qualify for a work permit. Further information can be provided by the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service at:
http://www.inis.gov.ie/en/INIS/Pages/Atypical%20Working%20Scheme%20Guidelines