Bernard Allen
Ceist:249 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children when he will introduce the four year nursing degree course. [4763/01]
Written Answers. - Nursing Degree Programme.
The Government has agreed in principle to the introduction of a four year pre-registration in the academic year 2002-03 subject to the satisfactory conclusion of certain outstanding issues, including the basis on which nurse teachers will transfer to the higher education sector. Direct discussions are currently taking place between the nursing unions and the third level institutions in relation to the transfer of nurse teachers. These talks are being facilitated by my Department.