James Geoghegan
Ceist:922. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health to review correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 20 January 2026
Ceisteanna (922)
Freagraí scríofa
Thank you to Deputy Geoghegan for raising this matter.
My Department raised this matter with the NMBI who advise that a Certificate of Good Standing (CCPS), also called the Certificate of Current Professional Status, confirms that a nurse or midwife is registered, fit to practise, and not subject to sanctions. It is required for overseas-qualified applicants to register in Ireland under S.I. No. 221/2018 (Nurses and Midwives Registration Rules), as follows:
if the candidate has engaged in the practice of nursing or midwifery outside the State, particulars regarding his or her nursing or midwifery practice outside the State, as appropriate, and a certificate of good standing or current professional status or equivalent from the regulatory body in the country where he or she was engaged in such practice, as appropriate.
The requirement for a CCPS applies across recognition, registration, adaptation, and restoration processes. NMBI requests a CCPS from an applicant at the start of the recognition and registration process to make sure the applicant is in good standing before moving forward.
Applicants must provide CCPS evidence for all jurisdictions where they have been registered, disclosing disciplinary history and confirming there are no ongoing fitness-to-practise proceedings. A CCPS is a record from the professional body, and there is no equivalent verification of the applicants good standing from other sources.
NMBI advised they are aware that the Kuwait Ministry of Health paused the issuance of CCPS documents in 2025. As a result, NMBI have taken several steps to support applicants at the different stages of the process, these include:
• Outward communication, advising potential applicants that they will need a CCPS early in the process.
• The Board has provided an exemption pathway for applicants who have provided a previous CCPS.
• Maintained regular communication with the Kuwait Ministry of Health.
In December 2025, the Kuwait Ministry for Health confirmed to the NMBI that they have recommenced issuing of documents to registrants that meet their policy.
All applications received are assessed individually and treated equally; decisions are based on each applicant’s situation.
NMBI continues to advise applicants that a CCPS is essential to their application. The NMBI has advised the Department that they will also arrange a call with the individual concerned to assist them in the application process.