Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015
425. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health the incentives, including funding, that are available to encourage a qualified nurse (details supplied) to return to Ireland and take up a position here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39373/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are many initiatives currently underway to improve nursing staff levels throughout the country. These include the retention of 2015 degree programme graduates, offering full time permanent contracts, and a national and international recruitment campaign. In addition the conversion of agency usage to permanent staffing in line with agreed processes is being pursued.
A nurse registered in Ireland, is not required to complete a return to practice course in order to reactivate a registration with NMBI following a period overseas. To reactivate a registration in Ireland the nurse is required to send a letter to NMBI and pay the appropriate fee.
An employer has discretion to require a nurse to complete a "return to practice" course if the nurse has been out of practice. NMBI recommend that this is completed by nurses who are out of practice for over 5 years. The completion of a return to practice programme currently is not a mandatory or legal requirement to obtain registration with NMBI.
If the nurse is applying for initial registration they may, if a shortfall have been identified in their education programme, be required to complete a period of adaptation and assessment which must be successfully completed prior to registration. This programme is a minimum of a six weeks.
