Vol. 513 No. 2
96 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the regulations, if any, which apply to nursing agencies in respect of verification of qualifications for nurses, nurses' aides and care workers; the requirements, if any, in relation to Garda clearance particularly in relation to staff working with children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2093/00]
An Bord Altranais is the statutory regulatory body for nurses. There are no regulatory bodies for nurses' aides or care workers. It is the responsibility of each employing authority to ensure that every employee in the health service, whether recruited from a nursing agency or not, has the relevant qualifications before commencing employment.
My Department has agreed arrangements with the Garda authorities whereby the Garda Síochána will furnish employers with statements of convictions, if any, recorded against a prospective employee, with the written consent of that employee. It is a matter for the employer to ensure that the correct procedures are followed in such cases.
