Madam, - In his article of August 30th, "Shoddy treatment of Filipinos needs to be highlighted", Fr Pat O'Connell refers to the registration appeals procedure operated by An Bord Altranais. He suggests that changes in the procedure have created difficulties for applicants from the Philippines. This suggestion is mistaken.
The Registration Appeals Procedure was introduced in 2003. Each appeal is considered individually with a full review undertaken of all relevant documentation. This includes the letter from the applicant detailing the grounds for their appeal and, in the case of applicants who are not recommended for registration following a period of adaptation and assessment in an Irish hospital, all documents relating to the assessment of their competence.
Some appeals are granted, while others are not. Each case is considered on its individual merits. The country of origin of the applicant does not influence the decision. The suggestion that applicants from the Philippines were given the opportunity to repeat the period of adaptation up until recently and that this is not now the case is incorrect. The registration appeals procedure is underpinned by the principles of equality and fairness for all applicants and the role of An Bord Altranais in relation to protection of the public.
As of August 31st, 2007, 4,006 people from the Philippines have their names entered on an active register of nurses maintained by An Bord Altranais. This represents 5.98 per cent of the total number on that register. - Yours, etc,
URSULA BYRNE,
Acting Deputy
Chief Executive Officer,
An Bord Altranais,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.