Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nursing Degree Courses.

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

75 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason nurses seeking to obtain degree status are only being offered part-time course options; whether it is feasible for nurses working throughout the country to attend these part-time courses and continue in their current posts; and if he will provide a full-time course for which his Department would pay the fees. [21598/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

A revised programme of pre-registration nursing education and training was introduced in October 1994 and has since been extended to a large number of schools of nursing. The programme is operated by schools of nursing in association with third level institutes. Student nurses who successfuly complete the programme will be awarded a diploma in nursing from the associated third level institute and will be eligible to be registered with An Bord Altranais, which in turn will render them eligible for employment as nurses. It is my intention that the transition to the revised model of pre-registration training will be completed in all three nursing disciplines in 1998.

In tandem with the developments in pre-registration education and training, the third level institutes which are involved in the delivery of the registration-diploma programme, in accordance with the normal procedures applying to such institutes, are developing one year programmes leading to the award of a bachelor or nursing studies degree. Existing registered nurses are being afforded equal opportunity of access to these degree programmes, either immediately or on the basis of a short access course. Since any such degree programme will be optional, nurses will be responsible for making their own arrangements for admission to and attendance at such programmes, including the payment of course fees.

The rationale behind the development of a degree programme is to provide those members of the nursing profession who wish to obtain a post-registration qualification at degree level with an opportunity to do so by means of a one year part-time programme. However, as I have already stated, a degree in nursing is not a requirement for registration as a nurse and subsequent employment. I am satisfied that it is feasible for nurses working throughout the country to undertake these part-time degree programmes, either through attendance at the colleges or through distance learning, and continue in their current posts.

I might mention that the Commission on Nursing, in its interim report, has identified a number of issues relating to both pre-registration and post-registration nursing education and training. The commission will address those issues in its final report, which is expected to be finalised during 1998. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be prudent to await the outcome of the deliberations of the commission before making any changes to the current system of education and training.