Vol. 431 No. 8
61 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the regulation changes in the training of nurses in respect of mental handicap, paediatric and psychiatric nursing; if he will introduce standard nurse education arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the Deputy will be aware, compliance with Directive 89/595/EEC, concerning the mutual recognition of qualifications in general nursing, has involved the implementation of an additional twelve weeks theoretical instruction over the three year training cycle.
A Directive of similar effect to 89/595/EEC, pertaining to the other nursing disciplines, has remained at a draft stage for some time and, I understand, will not be progressed any further. In light of this, the question of providing additional theoretical instruction to restore educational parity between the various branches in nursing is being actively examined by my Department.
