Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2005
393 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if it is a requirement for employment as a nurse attendant in his Department that a successful candidate be a registered nurse; if the term nurse can be used forthwith and these professionals paid according to their qualifications. [30569/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department arranges sessions at various centres around the country to assess or review the medical condition of people who are claiming a payment from my Department in respect of illness. These sessions are conducted by the Department's medical assessors and a nurse attendant is always present during the examinations.
A nursing qualification, although advantageous to applicants, is not an essential requirement for the post of nurse attendant. I am satisfied, on the basis of the duties of the post, that the title and salary scale, as determined by the Department of Finance, are appropriate to the grade of nurse attendant.
