Austin Currie
Ceist:11 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science if he intends to defend the nurses' case for free fees. [3661/98]
Written Answers. - Student Nurses' Fees.
Solicitors representing two students who are studying for a nursing degree in NUI, Galway have indicated to the Chief State Solicitor's Office that unless the fees for their fourth year of study are provided from public moneys they will commence legal proceedings. To date I am not aware that legal proceedings have been initiated in this regard. I must await greater elaboration of the students' case and legal advice before deciding how to proceed on this matter.
The education and training of nurses is primarily a matter for my colleague the Minister for Health and Children. As Deputies are aware, a revised programme for basic pre-registration nurse education and training was introduced in October 1994 on a pilot basis and has since been extended to a large number of nursing schools in association with local higher education institutions. Successful completion of the three year programme leads to a Diploma in Nursing Studies and students are eligible with An Bord Altranais for employment as a nurse. The programme is funded by the Department of Health and Children at a cost of some £13 million in 1997 and accordingly, the question of student fees for the diploma programme does not arise.
The position in relation to the continuing education of nurses is that the Department of Health and Children has been engaged in consultations with a number of third level institutions in relation to the development of accessible degree programmes which would be open both to nurses who complete the new education and training programme and to nurses who qualified under the traditional model of education and training. The purpose of these programmes 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. These programmes are provided on a self-financing basis and the nurses involved can claim tax relief on their fees or can apply to their relevant health agency for assistance from the funding provided by the Department of Health and Children for the continuing education of registered nurses.
A one year full-time degree course leading to a Bachelor of Nursing commenced last month in the National University of Ireland, Galway. When the Higher Education Authority became aware of the proposal to introduce this course, it had discussions with the National University of Ireland, Galway and asked the university to align its proposal with the approach adopted in the other colleges. The university has advised the Higher Education Authority that it is proceeding with the course and I understand that 51 students have enrolled on it. In view of these developments and the implications for nursing education generally, my Department is currently engaged in further discussions on the matter with the Department of Health and Children and the Higher Education Authority.