Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:169. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application to the NMBI in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3722/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 26 January 2017
Ceisteanna (169)
Freagraí scríofa
Department officials sought and received a report on the matter from the NMBI and the content of that report is summarised below.
The NMBI have advised that the applicant applied for an application pack on 12 October 2016 which the applicant completed on 24 October 2016. She was advised of outstanding documents via email on 1 November 2016. The NMBI have further advised the Department that a document verifying the applicant's registration and good standing with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the United Kingdom was received in the NMBI on 28 November 2016 and the file was progressed to the next stage of the process which involves a full registration review of all the information received.
The NMBI have indicated that due to significant volumes of applications being handled by the NMBI at present, it was not possible for a full registration to take place until 12 January 2017. In this regard, please note that a total of 4,323 applications were issued during 2016 compared to 2,534 for the same period in 2015.
The NMBI have informed the Department that the applicant will be notified, via email today that her registration has been approved and she will be requested to make the final registration payment of €145 in order to place her name on the Register. The Director of Registration has requested that she is notified on receipt of this payment and she will ensure that the applicant's name is placed on the Register with immediate effect.
NMBI has advised that they continue to assess and enhance their registration processes and are responsive to issues raised by applicants. Many improvements have been implemented in recent weeks, e.g. a dedicated EU/EEA Registration Team has been established which will focus exclusively on processing EU applications received in line with EU Directive 2013/55/EU. A dedicated Non-EU Registration Team and a dedicated Irish Registration Team have also been established. Revisions to the NMBI's existing application forms and guidance documents are currently under review in order to assist applicants through the process - these are among a number of significant changes being implemented by the NMBI. These changes will enhance and improve the registration process for applicants while the NMBI will continue to review its processes to ensure that they meet requirements while also meeting the central principle of protecting the public.