Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:367. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an aptitude test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53832/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 4 November 2021
Ceisteanna (367)
Freagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, all nurses and midwives who practise in Ireland must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The NMBI recognises the importance of processing registration applications within a reasonable timeframe taking into account the need to carry out this work with an appropriate level of care and attention . Protecting the public is a core function of the NMBI and therefore rigorous evaluating of information and thorough regulatory checks are required when processing applications from all of those who want to practise as nurses and midwives in Ireland. This also ensures the protection of the integrity of the profession of nursing and midwifery which is also function of the NMBI.
As this matter involves the register of nurses and midwives that is maintained by the NMBI, my Department contacted the NMBI for an update on this application.
The NMBI has advised that following an initial review of this application, NMBI identified that this applicant was required to pass an aptitude test before being registered to work in Ireland. The applicant failed to pass the aptitude test on two occasions and in such situations NMBI requires that a fresh application be made. The NMBI has confirmed that this process is now complete and on 03 November 2021, NMBI issued a decision letter to the applicant. This letter sets out the options now available to the applicant, including re-taking the aptitude test or the possibility of arranging an adaptation placement. The latter consists of 6-8 weeks supervised clinical placement in an NMBI approved facility whereby the applicant is provided with the opportunity to address any clinical deficits identified by NMBI during the assessment of their qualification recognition application.