asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the difficulties facing applicants for nursing training in view of the number of hospitals and health boards providing such training courses; whether he considers it desirable that entry qualifications for nursing training be standardised and that a central applications system be introduced from which applicants for training would be selected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nursing Training.
5.
I am aware of the difficulties facing persons wishing to train as nurses because of the large number of training schools each selecting and admitting its own students and the absence of a central application arrangement.
The Minister will shortly be bringing before the House legislation for the nursing profession which will include powers for An Bord Altranais to operate a central applications bureau. In the meantime An Bord Altranais are examining in consultation with training hospitals the possibility of establishing such an arrangement in advance of the necessary legislation.
The establishment of a central applications bureau will include provision for standardisation of entry qualifications.
I welcome the reply. When will the new legislation enable An Bord Altranais to oblige private hospitals who run training courses for nurses to participate in the central applications system? In other words, will he ensure that we have a central applications system that includes all hospitals in the country?
That would be part of the proposed legislation, but I am inclined to think it is envisaged that all of the 71 nurse training schools would be part of that.
Could the Minister of State indicate when this legislation is likely to come before the House?
The Government have authorised the drafting of a Bill and the Attorney General has been requested to arrange accordingly. The Minister for Health, Deputy Desmond, has asked the Attorney General personally to have the matter expedited.