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Number 18 of 1985
NURSES ACT, 1985
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary and General
Section | |
An Bord Aitranais
Registration
Education and Training
Fitness to Practise.
Miscellaneous
Functions in relation to Directives etc. adopted by Council of European Communities. | |
Enactments Repealed
Rules in relation to membership and meetings of An Bord Altranais (The Nursing Board)
Acts Referred to | |
1977, No. 30 | |
1984, No. 6 | |
Finance Act, 1895 | 58 and 59 Vic. c. 16 |
1970, No. 1 | |
1956, No. 10 | |
1980, No. 8 | |
1978, No. 4 | |
1944, No. 10 | |
1950, No. 27 | |
1961, No. 18 | |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 1851, c. 93 |
Number 18 of 1985
NURSES ACT, 1985
PART I
Preliminary and General
Short Title.
1.—This Act may be cited as the Nurses Act, 1985.
Interpretation.
2.—In this Act—
“the Board” means An Bord Altranais or the Nursing Board established by this Act;
“establishment day” means the day appointed to be the establishment day under section 4 of this Act;
“Fitness to Practise Committee” means the committee established by the Board under section 13 (2) of this Act;
“the former Board” means An Bord Altranais established under the Nurses Act, 1950;
“health board” means a health board established under the Health Act, 1970;
“Member State” means a state, other than the State, which is a member of the European Economic Communities;
“midwife” means a person whose name is entered in the midwives division of the register;
“the Minister” means the Minister for Health;
“nurse” means a woman or a man whose name is entered in the register and includes a midwife and “nursing” includes “midwifery”;
“prescribed” means prescribed by rules made by the Board;
“the register” means the register of nurses established under section 27 of this Act;
“registered medical practitioner” means a person whose name is entered in the General Register of Medical Practitioners established under the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978;
“rules” means rules made under section 26 of this Act.
Commencement.
3.—This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as may be fixed therefor by order or orders of the Minister either generally or with reference to a particular purpose or provision and different days may be so fixed for different purposes and different provisions of this Act.
Establishment day.
4.—The Minister may by order appoint a day to be the establishment day for the purposes of this Act.
Repeals.
5.—The enactments specified in the First Schedule to this Act are hereby repealed.
PART II
An Bord Altranais
Establishment of An Bord Altranais.
6.—(1) There shall, by virtue of this section, be established on the establishment day a body to be known as An Bord Altranais or, in the English language, as the Nursing Board (in this Act referred to as the Board) the general concern of which shall be to promote high standards of professional education and training and professional conduct among nurses, and which shall, in particular, fulfil the functions assigned to it by this Act.
(2) The Board shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and power to sue and be sued in its corporate name and to acquire, hold and dispose of land.
(3) The Board may, subject to the provisions of this Act, regulate its own procedure.
(4) The Second Schedule to this Act shall apply to the Board.
Dissolution of former Board.
7.—(1) The former Board shall, on the establishment day, be dissolved by virtue of this section.
(2) All property, whether real or personal (including choses-in-action), which immediately before the establishment day was vested in or belonged to or was held in trust or subject to conditions for the former Board, and all rights, powers and privileges relating to or connected with any such property, shall on the establishment day, without any conveyance or assignment but subject where necessary to transfer in the books of any bank, corporation or company, become and be vested in or the property of or held in trust or subject to conditions for (as the case may require) the Board.
(3) All property transferred by this section which immediately before the establishment day was standing in the books of any bank or was registered in the books of any bank, corporation or company in the name of the former Board shall, upon the request of the Board made at any time on or after the establishment day, be transferred in those books by the bank, corporation or company into the name of the Board.
(4) Every chose-in-action transferred by this section may, on or after the establishment day, be sued upon, recovered, or enforced by the Board in its own name and it shall not be necessary for the Board to give notice to the person bound by any such chose-in-action of the transfer effected by this section.
(5) Every debt or other liability (including unliquidated liabilities arising from torts or breaches of contract) which immediately before the establishment day is owing and unpaid and is undischarged by the former Board shall, on the establishment day, become and be the debt or liability of the Board and shall be paid and discharged by and may be recovered from and enforced against the Board accordingly.
(6) Every contract which was entered into and is in force immediately before the establishment day between the former Board and any person shall continue in force on or after the establishment day but it shall be construed and have effect as if the Board were substituted therein for the former Board and shall be enforceable by or against the Board accordingly.
(7) Where immediately before the establishment day, any legal proceedings are pending to which the former Board is a party, the name of the Board shall be substituted for that of the former Board and the proceedings shall not abate by reason of such substitution.
(8) Section 12 of the Finance Act, 1895, shall not apply to the vesting in the Board of the property or rights transferred by this section.
(9) Any contract of service (express or implied) in force immediately before the establishment day between the former Board and any person shall continue in force on or after the establishment day, but shall be construed and have effect as if the name of the Board were substituted therein for the name of the former Board and every such contract shall be enforceable accordingly by or against the Board.
Seal of Board.
8.—(1) The Board shall as soon as may be after its establishment provide itself with a seal.
(2) The seal of the Board shall be authenticated by the signature of the President of the Board or such other member thereof as may be authorised by the Board to act in that behalf and the signature of an officer of the Board authorised by the Board to act in that behalf.
(3) Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal of the Board and every document purporting to be an instrument made by the Board and to be sealed with the seal (purporting to be authenticated in accordance with this section) of the Board shall be received in evidence and be deemed to be such instrument without further proof unless the contrary is shown.
Membership of Board.
9.—(1) The Board shall consist of 29 members appointed in the following manner, that is to say—
(a) five nurses resident in the State and who are engaged in training nurses of whom—
(i) one shall represent nurses who are training nurses in general nursing,
(ii) one shall represent nurses who are training nurses in paediatric nursing,
(iii) one shall represent nurses who are training nurses in psychiatric nursing,
(iv) one shall represent nurses who are training nurses in the care of mentally handicapped persons, and
(v) one shall represent nurses who are training nurses in midwifery,
elected by nurses;
(b) five nurses resident in the State and who are engaged in nursing administration of whom—
(i) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in general nursing administration,
(ii) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in the administration of public health nursing,
(iii) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in the administration of psychiatric nursing,
(iv) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in the administration of midwifery, and
(v) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in the administration of nursing of mentally handicapped persons,
elected by nurses;
(c) seven nurses resident in the State who are engaged in clinical nursing practice of whom—
(i) two shall represent nurses who are engaged in clinical practice in general nursing,
(ii) two shall represent nurses who are engaged in clinical practice in psychiatric nursing,
(iii) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in clinical practice in midwifery,
(iv) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in clinical practice in public health nursing, and
(v) one shall represent nurses who are engaged in clinical practice in the nursing of mentally handicapped persons,
elected by nurses;
(d) twelve persons appointed by the Minister, after consultation with such bodies or organisations as he considers suitable to advise him, of whom—
(i) one shall be a registered medical practitioner engaged in the practice of medicine in a hospital approved of by the Board for the training of general nurses,
(ii) one shall be a registered medical practitioner engaged in the practice of medicine in a hospital approved of by the Board for the training of psychiatric nurses,
(iii) one shall be a registered medical practitioner engaged in the practice of obstetrics in a hospital approved of by the Board for the training of midwives,
(iv) one shall be a person representative of the management of health boards,
(v) one shall be a person representative of the management of hospitals, other than hospitals administered by health boards,
(vi) two shall be persons representative of the Department of Health,
(vii) one shall be a person who is experienced in the field of education,
(viii) one shall be a person representative of third level educational establishments which are involved in the education and training of nurses,
(ix) one shall be a nurse, and
(x) two shall be persons representative of the interest of the general public.
(2) An appointment shall not be made by the Minister pursuant to paragraph (d) (vii) or paragraph (d) (viii) of subsection (1) of this section without the consent of the Minister for Education.
(3) The Minister may, by regulations made after consultation with the Board, vary the provisions of subsection (1) of this section.
(4) Whenever the Minister proposes to make regulations pursuant to subsection (3) of this section, a draft of the proposed regulations shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and the regulations shall not be made until a resolution approving of the draft has been passed by each House.
Appointment of persons to be members of Board.
10.—The Minister shall take all steps necessary to secure the appointment of members to the first Board established after the commencement of this Act and the Board shall take all steps necessary to secure the appointment of members to any subsequent Board.
Election of members of the Board.
11.—(1) Before the establishment day, in the case of the first election of members to the Board pursuant to this Act, and before the commencement of their term of office in the case of every subsequent election, the members of the Board to be elected in accordance with section 9 (1) (a), (b) and (c) of this Act, shall be elected by way of an election held in accordance with rules made by the Minister, in the case of the first election, and in accordance with rules made by the Board, with the approval of the Minister, in the case of every subsequent election, and any such rules may, in particular, specify the qualifications to be held by candidates for election to the Board, the persons who shall be entitled to nominate a candidate for election or to vote in an election and may specify a particular class or classes of nurse who shall be entitled to vote for any particular class of nurse.
(2) In the case of the first election to the Board, the returning officer for that election shall be appointed by the Minister, and in the case of every subsequent election, the returning officer for such election shall be appointed by the Board.
First meeting of the Board.
12.—(1) The first meeting of the Board shall be held on a day to be appointed by the Minister and the Minister shall notify the members of the Board of the time and place of such meeting.
(2) The Board shall meet at the time and place appointed by the Minister under this section for its first meeting and shall thereupon enter on its duties under this Act.
Committees of the Board.
13.—(1) The Board may, subject to the subsequent provisions of this section, from time to time establish committees to perform such, if any, functions of the Board as, in the opinion of the Board, may be better or more conveniently performed by a committee, and are assigned to a committee by the Board.
(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, the Board shall establish a committee in relation to its functions under Part V of this Act.
(3) A committee established under this section, other than the committee referred to in subsection (2) of this section may, if the Board thinks fit, include in its membership persons who are not members of the Board.
(4) The chairman of every committee established under this section shall be a member of the Board provided that in the case of the committee referred to in subsection (2) of this section the chairman shall be a member of the Board other than the President or the Vice-President of the Board.
(5) Every member of the committee established under subsection (2) of this section shall be a member of the Board.
(6) A majority of the members of the committee referred to in subsection (2) of this section shall be persons who have been appointed by election to the Board and at least one-third of the members of that committee shall be persons other than persons who have been appointed by election to the Board.
(7) The acts of a committee established under this section shall be subject to confirmation by the Board unless the Board, at any time, dispenses with the necessity for such confirmation.
(8) The Board may, subject to the provisions of this Act, regulate the procedure of committees established under this section, but, subject to any such regulation, committees established under this section may regulate their own procedure.
Expenses of members of Board and committees.
14.—A member of the Board or of any committee established by the Board shall be paid, out of funds at the disposal of the Board, such allowances for travelling and subsistence expenses incurred in respect of his attendance at a meeting of the Board or otherwise in connection with the affairs of the Board as the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for the Public Service, may determine.
Removal of Board from office.
15.—(1) If the Board fails, neglects or refuses to perform any function assigned to it under this Act, the Minister may, by order, direct the Board to discharge that function and for that purposes to do such other matters or things ancillary or incidental thereto as may be specified in the order.
(2) If the Board fails to comply with any direction of the Minister contained in an order made by him under subsection (1) of this section, the Minister may, by order, remove from office the members of the Board.
(3) An order made by the Minister under this section may contain such provisions as the Minister considers necessary to enable the functions of the Board to be performed notwithstanding the removal from office of its members, and any such order may, in particular, appoint a person or persons to discharge all or any of the functions of the Board.
(4) The Minister may amend or revoke an order made under this section, including this subsection.
(5) Every order under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made, and, if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either House of the Oireachtas within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly and in case of an order made under subsection (2) of this section the members of the Board who had been removed from office by virtue of the order shall be restored to office but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done by any person or persons appointed to discharge all or any of the functions of the Board under and by virtue of the order.
Chief Executive Officer.
16.—(1) There shall be a chief officer who shall act and be known as the Chief Executive Officer of the Board.
(2) The Chief Executive Officer shall be appointed by the Board and shall hold his office on such terms and conditions and shall perform such duties as the Board, with the consent of the Minister, from time to time determines.
(3) There shall be paid by the Board to its Chief Executive Officer out of funds at its disposal such remuneration and allowances as the Board, with the consent of the Minister, from time to time determines.
(4) The Minister may, whenever and so often as he thinks fit, declare that any power conferred on the Board by this section shall be exercisable only with the consent of the Minister and whenever any such declaration is in force, the said power may be exercisable only with such consent.
Other officers and servants of Board.
17.—(1) In addition to the Chief Executive Officer, there shall be appointed such and so many persons to be officers and servants of the Board as the Board, with the consent of the Minister, from time to time determines.
(2) An officer or servant of the Board shall be appointed by the Chief Executive Officer and shall hold his office or employment on such terms and conditions and shall perform such duties as the Chief Executive Officer from time to time determines.
(3) There shall be paid by the Board to its officers and servants other than the Chief Executive Officer out of funds at its disposal such remuneration and allowances as the Chief Executive Officer, with the consent of the Minister, from time to time determines.
(4) The Minister may, whenever and as often as he thinks fit, declare that any power conferred on the Board or the Chief Executive Officer by this section shall be exercisable only with the consent of the Minister and whenever any such declaration is in force, the said power may, in relation to any office or employment to which the declaration applies, be exercisable only with such consent.
Age limits.
18.—A person who is a permanent officer of the Board shall cease to be a permanent officer on his attaining the age of 65 years.
Superannuation.
19.—The Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1956, shall apply to the Board and its officers and servants as if it were a local authority, and they were officers and servants of a local authority, and the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1980, shall apply to the Board and its officers and servants as if it were a body to which section 2 of that Act applies and they were officers and servants of such a body, but the said two Acts shall apply to the Board subject to any modifications (including modifications to any scheme or regulations made under the said Local Government (Superannuation) Act. 1980, and modifications relating to service reckonable as pensionable service) which may, with the consent of the Minister for the Environment, be determined by the Minister.
Membership of either House of Oireachtas or of Assembly of European Communities by officer or servant of Board.
20.—(1) Where a person who is either an officer or a servant of the Board is—
(a) nominated as a member of Seanad Éireann, or
(b) elected as a member of either House of the Oireachtas or of the Assembly of the European Communities, or
(c) regarded pursuant to section 15 (inserted by the European Assembly Elections Act, 1984) of the European Assembly Elections Act, 1977, as having been elected to such Assembly to fill a vacancy,
he shall thereupon stand seconded from employment by the Board and shall not be paid by, or be entitled to receive from, the Board any remuneration or allowances in respect of the period commencing on such nomination or election or when he is so regarded as having been elected, as the case may be, and ending when he ceases to be a member of either such House or such Assembly.
(2) A person who is, for the time being, entitled under the Standing Orders of either House of the Oireachtas to sit therein or who is a member of the Assembly of the European Communities shall, while he is so entitled or is such a member, be disqualified from becoming an officer or servant of the Board.
(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, that subsection shall be construed as prohibiting the reckoning of a period therein mentioned as service with the Board for the purpose of any superannuation benefit.
Accounts of Board.
21.—(1) The Board shall keep all proper accounts of all income and expenditure of the Board and of the sources of such income and the subject matter of such expenditure and the Board shall keep all proper accounts of property, assets and liabilities of the Board.
(2) The accounts of the Board shall be audited at least once in every year by an auditor appointed for that purpose by the Minister and the fees of such auditor and the expenses generally of such audit shall be paid by the Board as soon as may be after each such audit.
(3) As soon as may be after each audit under this section, a copy of the accounts of the Board and the auditor's certificate and report thereon shall be given to the Minister.
(4) As soon as may be after each audit under this section, the Board shall cause such accounts and the auditor's certificate and report thereon to be printed, published and put on sale, and immediately after each such publication, a copy of such accounts and such certificate and report thereon as so printed and published shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas.
Power of Board to borrow.
22.—(1) The Board may, subject to any conditions which may be imposed by the Minister, or in accordance with any directions given by him, borrow money for capital or current purposes.
(2) Any moneys borrowed by the Board pursuant to this section and any interest accruing thereon may be secured on the revenue, funds or property of the Board.
Acceptance of gifts by Board.
23.—(1) The Board may accept gifts of money, land or other property upon such trusts and conditions, if any, as may be specified by the donor.
(2) The Board shall not accept a gift if the conditions attached to the acceptance by the donor are inconsistent with the functions of the Board.
Expenses of Board and Minister.
24.—(1) All expenses incurred by the Board shall be defrayed by the Board out of funds at the disposal of the Board.
(2) Any expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be approved by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
Fees.
25.—The Board may charge such fees as may, from time to time, be determined by the Board, with the consent of the Minister, for—
(a) the registration of a person in the register,
(b) the retention of the name of a person in the register,
(c) the restoration in the register of the name of any person whose name has been erased or removed pursuant to the provisions of this Act from the register,
(d) the giving to any person of a certificate of registration,
(e) the registration of any candidate for nurse training in any register maintained by the Board,
(f) entry into any examination conducted by the Board,
(g) applications to undergo nurse training,
(h) any other service which the Board may, from time to time, provide.
Rules.
26.—The Board may, with the approval of the Minister, make rules for the purpose of the operation of this Act and any such rules may, inter alia, provide for the establishment, membership, functions, and procedures of committees to assist the Board in carrying out its functions under this Act.
PART III
Registration
The register.
27.—(1) The Board shall, in accordance with rules made by the Board, maintain a register of nurses (in this Act referred to as the register) which shall be divided into the divisions specified in such rules and such divisions shall include a division applicable to midwives.
(2) The Board shall as soon as may be after its establishment prepare and establish the register.
(3) Any reference in this Act to the register of nurses shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be deemed to include a reference to any division of the register and “registered” and “registration” shall be construed accordingly.
(4) The Board shall publish the register of nurses or any division or divisions thereof at such times and in such manner as the Minister may direct.
(5) Any change in the name or address of a nurse shall be notified to the Board by the nurse.
(6) The Board shall take such steps as it considers necessary from time to time to ensure that the names and addresses of persons registered in the register are accurate.
(7) Every person whose name is entered on the register shall, as soon as may be after that person's registration has been completed, be sent by the Board a certificate stating that his name has been entered in the register.
(8) A certificate issued by the Chief Executive Officer that the name of the person to whom the certificate relates is entered in the register shall, without proof of the signature of the person purporting to sign the certificate or that that person was the proper person so to sign, be evidence in any legal proceedings of the matters certified in the certificate, until the contrary is shown.
Registration in the register of nurses.
28.—(1) The Board shall, in accordance with rules, register in the register every person who satisfies the Board that he complies with the prescribed conditions for registration.
(2) The Board may register a person in more than one division of the register if such person applies and satisfies the prescribed conditions for registration in each such division.
(3) Every person whose name, at the date of the establishment of the register, is entered on the register of nurses maintained by the former Board pursuant to the Nurses Act, 1950, shall be registered in the register.
(4) Every person who is a national of a Member State and has been awarded a qualification in nursing in a Member State which, pursuant to the provisions of any Directive adopted by the Council of the European Communities, the State is obliged to recognise, shall, on making an application in the form and manner specified in rules made by the Board, and on payment of such fee as may be so specified, be registered in the register.
(5) Nothing in this section shall operate to prevent the Board from refusing to register the name of any person, who is otherwise entitled to be registered, on the grounds of the unfitness of that person to engage in the practice of nursing.
(6) On making a decision pursuant to subsection (5) of this section, the Board shall forthwith send by pre-paid post to the person to whom the decision relates a notice in writing stating the decision, the date thereof and the reasons therefor.
(7) A person to whom a decision under subsection (5) of this section relates may, within the period of two months, beginning on the date of the decision, apply to the High Court for cancellation of the decision, and, if such person so applies, the High Court, on the hearing of the application may—
(a) declare that it was proper for the Board to make the decision, or
(b) cancel the decision and direct the Board to register the name of the person making the application, or
(c) cancel the decision and—
(i) direct the Board to make a new decision, or
(ii) give such other directions to the Board as the Court thinks proper.
Correction of register.
29.—(1) For the purpose of keeping the register correct, the Board shall from time to time as occasion demands correct all verbal or clerical errors in such register, remove therefrom all entries therein procured by fraud or misrepresentation, enter in the register every change which comes to its knowledge in the addresses of the persons registered therein, and remove from the register the names of all persons whose death has either been notified to, or come to the knowledge of, the Board.
(2) Whenever the Board takes any action under subsection (1) of this section for the purpose of keeping the register correct, the Board shall forthwith notify the person concerned, or his next of kin, as the case may be, of the actions taken and the reasons therefor.
Registration of persons in ancillary profession.
30.—The Board may, with the consent of the Minister, register in a register maintained for that purpose, the names of persons who are engaged in a profession or calling which is ancillary to nursing, and the provisions of this Act, subject to such modifications as may be specified in rules made by the Board, with the approval of the Minister, shall apply to any such registration.
PART IV
Education and Training
Rules for courses of training and examinations for candidates for registration in the register of nurses.
31.—The Board may, in accordance with rules, provide or make provision for the courses of training and examinations to be taken by candidates for registration in the register of nurses and may prescribe the manner in which and the conditions under which training shall be provided and such rules may, in particular, provide for—
(a) the approval by the Board for the purposes of such rules of lecturers and teachers,
(b) the conditions of admission to the examinations, and
(c) the granting of certificates to persons taking the courses and passing the examinations.
Rules for courses of training and examinations for nurses.
32.—The Board may, in accordance with rules, provide or make provision for courses of training and examinations for nurses, and for the granting to nurses taking such courses and passing such examinations of certificates or diplomas, and may prescribe the manner in which and the conditions under which training shall be provided, and such rules may, in particular, provide for—
(a) the approval by the Board for the purposes of such rules of lecturers and teachers,
(b) the conditions of admission to the examinations, and
(c) the granting of certificates to persons taking the courses and passing the examinations.
Holding of examinations, etc.
33.—(1) The Board may hold the examinations provided for by rules and may, by such rules, regulate the conduct of such examinations.
(2) The examiners (none of whom shall be a member of the Board) at every examination held under this section shall be appointed by the Board, shall hold such qualifications and have such experience in relation to nursing as the Board thinks proper, and shall be remunerated in accordance with a scale fixed by the Board with the approval of the Minister.
Approval by the Board of hospitals and institutions suitable for training purposes.
34.—(1) Where the Board, on application made to it in that behalf, is satisfied that a hospital or institution is suitable for the training of nurses or of candidates for registration in the register of nurses, the Board shall approve of the hospital or institution for such training.
(2) For the purposes of giving effect to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section the Board may, by rules, specify conditions of suitability for hospitals and institutions.
(3) Every hospital or institution approved of by the former Board for the purposes of section 53 of the Nurses Act, 1950, shall be deemed, unless the Board determines otherwise, to have been approved of by the Board.
(4) The Board may, with the consent of the Minister, withdraw an approval under this section of a hospital or an institution.
(5) A hospital or an institution of which the Board has refused to approve may apply to the Minister, to direct the Board to approve of it and if the Minister, after consideration of the facts of the case, gives the direction, the Board shall approve of the hospital or institution.
Entry into hospital etc. for training.
35.—(1) The Board may determine the minimum educational requirements necessary for entry for training as a nurse into a hospital or institution approved of by the Board pursuant to section 34 of this Act.
(2) The Board may, if it so determines, establish a central applications bureau to process applications from persons wishing to undertake training as a nurse.
(3) If the Board establishes, pursuant to subsection (2) of this section, a central applications bureau, a hospital or institution approved of by the Board pursuant to section 34 of this Act shall not, without the consent of the Board, accept for training any person who is not approved of and recommended by the Board.
Miscellaneous functions of Board in relation to education and training.
36.—(1) The Board shall, from time to time as occasion may require but, in any event, not less than once in every five years, satisfy itself as to—
(a) the suitability of the education and training for nurses provided by any hospital or institution approved of by the Board pursuant to section 34 of this Act,
(b) the standards of theoretical and practical knowledge required for examinations,
(c) the clinical training and experience provided in any training programme organised by a hospital or institution approved of by the Board pursuant to section 34 of this Act, and
(d) the adequacy and suitability of post registration training courses for nurses provided by bodies recognised by the Board for that purpose.
(2) The Board may engage in research into the education and training of nurses, including the formulation of experimental curricula and the evaluation of existing programmes and examination and assessment procedures.
(3) The Board may maintain statistical records and make such records available for research and planning, including manpower planning purposes.
Duty to ensure compliance with minimum standards specified by Council of European Communities.
37.—The Board shall ensure that the requirements relating to the education and training of nurses or of candidates for registration in the register will satisfy the minimum standards specified in any Directive or Regulation adopted or made by the Council of the European Communities which relates to qualifications required by nurses to secure registration.
PART V
Fitness to Practise
Inquiry by the Fitness to Practise Committee into the conduct of a nurse.
38.—(1) The Board or any person may apply to the Fitness to Practise Committee for an inquiry into the fitness of a nurse to practise nursing on the grounds of—
(a) alleged professional misconduct, or
(b) alleged unfitness to engage in such practice by reason of physical or mental disability,
and the application shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be considered by the Fitness to Practise Committee.
(2) Where an application is made under this section and the Fitness to Practise Committee, after consideration of the application, is of opinion that there is not sufficient cause to warrant the holding of an inquiry, it shall so inform the Board and the Board, having considered the matter, may decide that no further action shall be taken in relation to the matter and shall so inform the Committee and the applicant, or it may direct the Committee to hold an inquiry into the matter in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(3) Where an application for an inquiry is made under this section and the Fitness to Practise Committee, after consideration of the application, is either of opinion that there is a prima facie case for holding the inquiry or has been given a direction by the Board pursuant to subsection (2) of this section to hold the inquiry, the following shall have effect—
(a) the Committee shall proceed to hold the inquiry,
(b) the Chief Executive Officer, or any other person with the leave of the Fitness to Practise Committee, shall present to the Committee the evidence of alleged professional misconduct or unfitness to practise by reason of physical or mental disability, as the case may be,
(c) on completion of the inquiry, the Fitness to Practise Committee shall embody its findings in a report to the Board specifying therein the nature of the application and the evidence laid before it and any other matters in relation to the nurse which it may think fit to report including its opinion, having regard to the contents of the report, as to—
(i) the alleged professional misconduct of the nurse, or
(ii) the fitness or otherwise of that nurse to engage in the practice of nursing by reason of alleged physical or mental disability,
as the case may be.
(4) When it is proposed to hold an inquiry under subsection (3) of this section the person who is the subject of the inquiry shall be given notice in writing by the Chief Executive Officer sent by pre-paid post to the address of that person as stated in the register of the nature of the evidence proposed to be considered at the inquiry and that person and any person representing him shall be given the opportunity of being present at the hearing.
(5) The findings of the Fitness to Practise Committee on any matter referred to it and the decision of the Board on any report made to it by the Fitness to Practise Committee shall not be made public without the consent of the person who has been the subject of the inquiry before the Fitness to Practise Committee unless such person has been found, as a result of such inquiry, to be—
(a) guilty of professional misconduct, or
(b) unfit to engage in the practice of nursing because of physical or mental disability,
as the case may be.
(6) The Fitness to Practise Committee shall for the purpose of an inquiry held under subsection (3) of this section have the powers, rights and privileges vested in the High Court or a judge thereof on the hearing of an action in respect of—
(a) the enforcement of the attendance of witnesses and their examination on oath or otherwise, and
(b) the compelling of the production of documents,
and a summons signed by the Chairman of the Committee or by such other member of the Committee as may be authorised by the Committee for that purpose may be substituted for and shall be equivalent to any formal procedure capable of being issued in an action for enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents.
(7) Where—
(a) a person on being duly summoned to attend before the Fitness to Practise Committee makes default in attending, or
(b) a person, being in attendance as a witness before the Fitness to Practise Committee, refuses to take an oath lawfully required by the Fitness to Practise Committee to be taken, or to produce any document in his power or control lawfully required by the Fitness to Practise Committee to be produced by him or to answer any question to which the Fitness to Practise Committee may lawfully require an answer, or
(c) a person, being in attendance before the Fitness to Practise Committee, does anything which, if the Fitness to Practise Committee were a court of law having power to commit for contempt, would be contempt of court,
such person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.
(8) A witness before the Fitness to Practise Committee shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before the High Court.
Erasure or suspension of registration from register for professional misconduct, unfitness to practise or failure to pay retention fee.
39.—(1) Where a nurse—
(a) has been found, by the Fitness to Practise Committee, on the basis of an inquiry and report pursuant to section 38 of this Act, to be guilty of professional misconduct or to be unfit to engage in the practice of nursing because of physical or mental disability, or
(b) has failed to pay a retention fee charged by the Board after the Board had, not less than two months previously by notice in writing sent by pre-paid post to the person, at his address as stated in the register, requested payment of the fee on more than one occasion,
the Board may decide that the name of such person should be erased from the register or that, during a period of specified duration, registration of the person's name in the register should not have effect.
(2) On making a decision under this section, the Board shall forthwith send by pre-paid post to the person to whom the decision relates, at his address as stated in the register, a notice in writing stating the decision, the date thereof and the reasons therefor.
(3) A person to whom a decision under this section relates may, within the period of 21 days, beginning on the date of the decision, apply to the High Court for cancellation of the decision and if such person so applies—
(a) the High Court, on the hearing of the application, may—
(i) cancel the decision, or
(ii) declare that it was proper for the Board to make a decision under this section in relation to such person and either (as the Court may consider proper) direct the Board to erase such person's name from the register or direct that during a specified period (beginning not earlier than 7 days after the decision of the Court) registration of the person's name in the register shall not have effect, or
(iii) give such other directions to the Board as the Court thinks proper,
(b) if at any time the Board satisfies the High Court that such person has delayed unduly in proceeding with the application, the High Court shall, unless it sees good reason to the contrary, declare that it was proper for the Board to make a decision under this section in relation to such person and either (as the Court may consider proper) direct the Board to erase the person's name from the register or direct that during a specified period (beginning not earlier than 7 days after the decision of the Court) registration of the person's name in the register shall not have effect,
(c) the High Court may direct how the costs of the application are to be borne.
(4) Where a person to whom a decision of the Board under this section relates does not, within the period of 21 days beginning on the date of the decision, apply to the High Court for cancellation of the decision, the Board may apply ex parte to the High Court for confirmation of the decision and, if the Board so applies, the High Court, on the hearing of the application shall, unless it sees good reason to the contrary, declare accordingly and either (as the Court may consider proper) direct the Board to erase the name of such person from the register or direct that during a specified period (beginning not earlier than 7 days after the decision of the Court) registration of the person's name in the register shall not have effect.
(5) The decision of the High Court on an application under this section shall be final, save that, by leave of that Court or the Supreme Court, an appeal, by the Board or the person concerned, from the decision shall lie to the Supreme Court on a specified question of law.
(6) (a) On erasing the name of a person from the register under this section, the Board shall forthwith send by pre-paid post to such person, at his address as stated in the register, notice in writing of the erasure.
(b) Where a direction is given under this section that during a specified period registration of the name of a person in the register shall not have effect, the Board shall, before the commencement of that period, send by pre-paid post to such person, at his address as stated in the register, notice in writing of such direction.
(7) The name of any person which has been erased from the register under this section may at any time be restored to that register by direction of the Board but not otherwise, and when a person's name is so restored to that register, the Board may attach to the restoration such conditions (including the payment of a fee not exceeding the fee which would be payable by such person for registration if he was then being registered for the first time) as the Board thinks fit.
(8) Where the registration of a person in the register has ceased to have effect under this section for a period of specified duration, the Board may, if it so thinks fit, on application made to it by such person, by direction terminate the suspension.
(9) On the hearing of an application under this section, the High Court may, if it thinks proper to do so, admit and have regard to evidence of any person of standing in the nursing profession as to what is professional misconduct.
Attaching of conditions to retention on register.
40.—(1) The Board, following an inquiry and report by the Fitness to Practise Committee pursuant to section 38 of this Act, may decide to attach such conditions as it thinks fit to the retention in the register of a person whose name is entered in the register.
(2) On making a decision under this section, the Board shall forthwith send by pre-paid post to the person to whom the decision relates, at his address as stated in the register, a notice in writing stating the decision, the date thereof and the reasons therefor.
(3) A person to whom a decision under this section relates may, within the period of 21 days beginning on the date of the decision, apply to the High Court for cancellation of the decision and if he so applies—
(a) the High Court, on the hearing of the application, may—
(i) cancel the decision, or
(ii) declare that it was proper for the Board to make a decision under this section in relation to such person and either (as the Court may consider proper) direct the Board to attach such conditions as the Court thinks fit to the retention of the name of such person in the register, or
(iii) give such other directions to the Board as the Court thinks proper,
(b) if at any time the Board satisfies the High Court that such person has delayed unduly in proceeding with the application, the High Court shall, unless it sees good reason to the contrary, declare that it was proper for the Board to make a decision under this section in relation to such person and (as the Court may consider proper) direct the Board to attach such conditions as the Court may specify to the retention of the name of such person in the register,
(c) the High Court may direct how the costs of the application are to be borne.
(4) Where a person to whom a decision of the Board under this section relates does not within the period of 21 days beginning on the date of the decision, apply to the High Court for cancellation of the decision, the Board may apply ex parte to the High Court for confirmation of the decision and, if the Board so applies, the High Court, on the hearing of the application shall, unless it sees good reason to the contrary, declare accordingly and (as the Court may consider proper) direct the Board to attach such conditions as the Court may specify to the retention of the name of such person on the register.
(5) The decision of the High Court on an application under this section shall be final save that, by leave of that Court or the Supreme Court, an appeal by the Board or the person concerned from the decision shall lie to the Supreme Court on a specified question of law.
(6) On attaching conditions under this section to the retention of the name of a person on the register, the Board shall forthwith send by pre-paid post to such person, at his address as stated in the register, notice in writing of the conditions.
(7) The Board may at any time remove in whole or in part the conditions attached to the retention of the name of any person on the register.
Powers of Board to advise, admonish, etc.
41.—(1) The Board, following an inquiry and report by the Fitness to Practise Committee pursuant to section 38 of this Act into the conduct of a person whose name is entered in the register may, on receipt of the report of the Committee, if it so thinks fit, advise, admonish or censure such person in relation to his professional conduct.
(2) The powers conferred by subsection (1) of this section may be exercised either in addition to or in substitution for any of the powers conferred by sections 39, 40 and 42 of this Act.
Erasure from register of persons convicted of indictable offence.
42.—(1) Where a nurse is convicted in the State of an offence triable on indictment or is convicted outside the State of an offence consisting of acts or omissions which would constitute an offence triable on indictment if done or made in the State, the Board may decide that the name of such person should be erased from the register.
(2) On making a decision under this section, the Board shall forthwith send by pre-paid post to the person to whom the decision relates, at his address as stated in the register, a notice in writing stating the decision, the date thereof and the reasons therefor.
(3) A person to whom a decision under this section relates may, within the period of twenty-one days, beginning on the date of the decision, apply to the High Court for cancellation of the decision and if such person so applies—
(a) the High Court, on the hearing of the application, may—
(i) cancel the decision, or
(ii) confirm the decision and direct the Board to erase the name of such person from the register, or
(iii) give such other directions to the Board as the Court thinks proper,
(b) if at any time the Board satisfies the High Court that such person has delayed unduly in proceeding with the application, the High Court shall, unless it sees good reason to the contrary, confirm the decision and direct the Board to erase the name of such person from the register,
(c) the High Court may direct how the costs of the application are to be borne.
(4) Where a person to whom a decision of the Board under this section relates does not within the period of twenty-one days, beginning on the date of the decision, apply to the High Court for cancellation of the decision, the Board may apply ex parte to the High Court for confirmation of the decision and, if the Board so applies, the High Court, on the hearing of the application, shall, unless it sees good reason to the contrary, confirm the decision and direct the Board to erase the name of such person from the register.
(5) The decision of the High Court on an application under this section shall be final, save that by leave of that Court or the Supreme Court, an appeal, by the Board or the person concerned, from the decision shall lie to the Supreme Court on a specified question of law.
(6) On erasing the name of a person from the register under this section, the Board shall forthwith send by pre-paid post to such person, at his address as stated in the register, notice in writing of the erasure.
(7) The name of any person which has been erased from the register under this section may at any time be restored to the register by direction of the Board but not otherwise, and when a person's name is so restored to the register, the Board may attach to the restoration such conditions (including the payment of a fee not exceeding the fee which would be payable by such person if he was then being registered for the first time) as the Board thinks fit.
Continuance of existing inquiry.
43.—Where the former Board has decided to hold, or has appointed any member or members of that Board to hold, an inquiry pursuant to the Nurses Act, 1950, and that inquiry has not been completed before the commencement of this Act, the inquiry shall be discontinued and shall be recommenced by the Fitness to Practise Committee as if this Act had been in force at the time at which such decision was taken or such member or members were appointed and the provisions of this Part of this Act shall apply to any inquiry discontinued and recommenced pursuant to this section.
Application by Board for order suspending registration.
44.—(1) Whenever the Board is satisfied that it is in the public interest so to do, the Board may apply to the High Court for an order in relation to any person registered in the register that, during the period specified in the order, registration of that person's name in the register shall not have effect.
(2) An application under this section may be made in a summary manner and shall be heard otherwise than in public.
(3) The High Court may make, in any application under this section, such interim or interlocutory order (if any) as it considers appropriate.
Privilege in respect of certain matters.
45.—Proceedings under section 38 of this Act, proceedings of or communications to or by the Board pursuant to sections 39, 40, 41 and 42 of this Act, reports made by the Fitness to Practise Committee to the Board under this Part of this Act and any other communications between the Committee and the Board made in the exercise or performance of the powers, duties or functions of the Committee or the Board, as the case may be, shall in any action for defamation, be absolutely privileged.
Notification to Minister of name erased or restored and of suspensions imposed and terminated.
46.—The Board shall notify the Minister, and, in the case of a person the name of whose employer is known to the Board, such employer, on the occasion of—
(a) the erasure of the name of a person from the register.
(b) the restoration of the name of a person to the register.
(c) the suspension of the name of a person from the register.
(d) the termination of a period of suspension from the register, or
(e) the attachment of conditions to the retention of the name of a person on the register.
of the erasure, restoration, suspension, termination of suspension or attachment of conditions, as the case may be.
Restoration to register of name removed or termination of suspension for non-payment of retention fee.
47.—(1) The Board shall, on the payment of a special fee to the Board by any person whose name was erased or whose registration was suspended pursuant to section 39 (1) (b) of this Act from the register for non-payment of a retention fee (and for no other reason) restore the person's name to the register or terminate the suspension, as the case may be.
(2) In this section “special fee” means a fee of such amount as may be fixed from time to time by the Board with the consent of the Minister.
PART VI
Miscellaneous
Arrangements with persons to assist Board.
48.—The Board may make and carry out arrangements with any person or body to assist the Board or any of its committees in the proper discharge of any of its functions.
Improper use of title of nurse, midwife, etc.
49.—(1) Any person who—
(a) not being a person registered in the register of nurses, takes or uses the name or title of nurse or midwife, either alone or in combination with any other words or letters or any name, title or description, implying that the person is registered in the register, or
(b) being a person whose name is included in any division of the register, takes or uses any name, title or description, or otherwise does any act of any kind, implying that the person is registered in any other division of the register in which the person's name is not included, or
(c) with intent to deceive, makes use of any certificate issued under this Act to such person or to any other person, or
(d) makes, or causes to be made, any false declaration or misrepresentation for the purpose of obtaining registration under this Act or who aids or abets in the making of any such false declaration or misrepresentation,
shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or, at the discretion of the court, to both such fine and such imprisonment.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 10 (4) of the Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, proceedings for an offence under this section may be instituted at any time within two years from the commission of the offence.
Report by Board.
50.—The Board shall as soon as may be after the end of each year prepare and publish a report of its proceedings under this Act during the preceding year.
General advisory functions of Board.
51.—(1) It shall be a function of the Board to advise the Minister, either at the request of the Minister or on its own initiative, on all matters relating to the functions assigned to the Board under this Act.
(2) It shall be a function of the Board to give guidance to the nursing profession generally on all matters relating to ethical conduct and behaviour.
(3) It shall be a function of the Board to advise the public on all matters of general interest relating to the functions of the Board.
Functions in relation to Directives etc. adopted by Council of European Communities.
52.—The Board shall carry out such functions as may be assigned to it from time to time by the Minister in relation to the implementation of any Directive or Regulation adopted or made by the Council of the European Communities relating to the practice of nursing and the persons engaged in such practice.
Assignment to Board of additional functions.
53.—(1) The Board shall carry out such functions, other than the functions assigned to it by this Act, as may be assigned to it from time to time by the Minister by order in relation to nursing education and training or other matters relating to the practice of nursing and the persons engaged in such practice.
(2) The Minister may amend or revoke an order made under this section, including this subsection.
(3) Every order made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either House of the Oireachtas within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the order is laid before it, the order shall be annulled accordingly but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
References to An Bord Altranais.
54.—Every reference to An Bord Altranais contained in any enactment or in any statutory instrument shall be construed as a reference to the Board.
Regulations.
55.—(1) The Minister may make regulations for the purpose of giving effect to any of the provisions of this Act.
(2) Every regulation, other than a regulation made under section 9 (3) of this Act, shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling the regulation is passed by either House of the Oireachtas within the next twenty-one days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, the regulation shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done thereunder.
Regulations regarding adaptations.
56.— The Minister may by regulations make in respect of any statute, order or regulation in force at the passing of this Act and relating to any matter or thing dealt with or affected by this Act, any adaptations or modifications which appear to him to be necessary to enable such statute, order or regulation to have effect in conformity with this Act.
Notice to be given to health board by midwife.
57.—(1) Where a midwife, who is not employed by a health board, or by a hospital authority providing maternity services or by a maternity home authority, is practising or proposes to practise midwifery, he shall notify the health board, or health boards, as the case may be, in whose functional area he practises of intends practising of such practice or proposal to practise.
(2) It shall be the duty of a health board in whose functional area a midwife of the type referred to in subsection (1) of this section is practising or proposes to practise to exercise, in accordance with regulations made by the Minister, general supervision and control over such midwife.
Prohibition on attending childbirth.
58.—(1) No person shall attend a woman in childbirth unless such person is—
(a) a midwife, or
(b) a registered medical practitioner, or
(c) undergoing training to be a registered medical practitioner or a midwife and gives such attention as part of a course of professional training, or
(d) undergoing experience and training in obstetrics and gives such attention as part of a course of professional training,
unless such attention is given, otherwise than for reward, in any case of sudden or urgent necessity where neither a midwife nor a registered medical practitioner is immediately available.
(2) Any person who acts in contravention of subsection (1) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.
Prosecution of offences.
59.—Every offence under this Act may be prosecuted by the Board.
FIRST SCHEDULE
Enactments Repealed
Number and year | Short Title |
(1) | (2) |
No. 10 of 1944 | |
No. 27 of 1950 | |
No. 18 of 1961 |
SECOND SCHEDULE
Rules in relation to membership and meetings of An Bord Altranais (The Nursing Board)
Tenure of Office
1. Subject to the provisions of this Schedule in relation to the filling of casual vacancies, every member of the Board shall hold office, unless he sooner dies, resigns or becomes disqualified, for a period of five years.
2. No person shall hold office as a member of the Board for more than two consecutive terms of five years.
Resignation and Termination of Membership
3. The Minister may at any time terminate the appointment of a member of the Board who was appointed by him.
4. A member of the Board may resign his membership by giving notice in writing signed by him to the Board, but the resignation shall not become effective until the meeting of the Board next held after receipt of the notice of resignation.
5. The membership of the Board of a person appointed by election shall terminate on his ceasing to be a nurse.
Casual Vacancies
6. (a) Whenever a casual vacancy occurs among the members of the Board other than those appointed by election, the Board shall forthwith notify the Minister who, following consultation with such body or organisation as he considers suitable to advise him shall, as soon as is convenient, appoint a person to fill such vacancy and any person so appointed shall serve as a member of the Board for such period as is unexpired of the term of office of the person whom he replaces.
(b) Whenever a casual vacancy occurs among the members of the Board appointed by election, the Board shall co-opt a person who would, pursuant to the provisions of this Act, be eligible for election to fill such vacancy and any person so co-opted shall serve as a member of the Board for such period as is unexpired of the term of office of the person whom he replaces.
Quorum
7. The quorum for a meeting of the Board shall be nine; provided that, in the case of a meeting of the Board where the matter of the erasure of the name of a nurse from the register, or any division thereof, is on the agenda, the quorum shall be twelve.
Meetings
8. The Board shall hold at least four meetings in every year and may hold such other meetings as may be necessary for the performance of its duties.
President and Vice-President
9. (1) The Board shall, from time to time, elect one of its members to be President of the Board and another of its members to be Vice-President of the Board.
(2) A President and Vice-President of the Board, as the case may be, shall each hold office as such for such term as may be specified by the Board at the time of his appointment unless—
(a) he ceases to be, or becomes disqualified from being, a member of the Board,
(b) he resigns the office of President or Vice-President, as the case may be, and his resignation becomes effective under this paragraph,
(c) the Board by a resolution, for which not less than two-thirds of the members of the Board vote, and of the intention to propose which not less than seven days notice is given to every member of the Board, terminates his appointment as President or Vice-President.
(3) A President or Vice-President of the Board may at any time resign his office by giving notice in writing signed by him to the Board, but the resignation shall not become effective until the meeting of the Board next held after the receipt by the Board of the notice of resignation.
(4) Whenever, at an election of the President or Vice-President of the Board, there is an equality of votes for two or more persons, it shall be determined by lot which of those persons shall be President or Vice-President as the case may be.
Proceedings at Meetings
10. The proceedings of the Board shall not be invalidated by any vacancy or vacancies among its members or by any defect in the appointments to the Board or in the qualifications of any member thereof.
11. The President, or in his absence, the Vice-President of the Board may, on his own initiative, or, shall, when he is requested so to do by a requisition signed by not less than ten members of the Board, convene a meeting of the Board.
12. (1) If the President, or in his absence the Vice-President, of the Board refuses to convene a meeting of the Board after a requisition for that purpose signed by not less than ten members of the Board has been presented to him, any five members of the Board may forthwith convene a meeting of the Board.
(2) If the President, or in his absence the Vice-President, of the Board, without so refusing, does not, within seven days after the presentation of a requisition for that purpose signed by not less than ten members of the Board, convene a meeting of the Board, any five members of the Board may, on the expiration of those seven days, convene a meeting of the Board.
13. At least three clear days before every meeting of the Board, notice, signed by the President or Vice-President of the Board, as the case may be, or, if the meeting is convened by members of the Board, by such members, of the time and place of the meeting shall be sent to every member of the Board: if the meeting is convened by members of the Board, the notice convening the meeting shall specify the business to be transacted thereat.
14. At a meeting of the Board—
(a) the President of the Board shall, if he is present, be the chairman,
(b) if and so long as the President of the Board is not present, or if the office of President is vacant, the Vice-President of the Board shall, if he is present, be the chairman,
(c) if and so long as the President of the Board is not present or the office of President is vacant and the Vice-President of the Board is not present or the office of Vice-President is vacant, the members of the Board who are present shall elect one of their number to be chairman of that meeting.
15. Minutes of the proceedings of all meetings of the Board shall be drawn up and entered in a book kept for that purpose and such minutes shall be signed by the chairman of the next ensuing meetings.
16. The names of all members present at a meeting of the Board shall be recorded in the minutes of the proceedings of the meeting.
17. Subject to Articles 7 and 9 (4) of this Schedule, all acts of the Board and all questions coming or arising before the Board may be done and decided by a majority of such members of the Board as are present and vote in relation to the act or matter at a meeting of the Board duly convened according to law.
18. In the case of equality of votes on any question arising at a meeting of the Board (other than the election of the President or the Vice-President) the chairman of that meeting shall have a second or casting vote.
19. Save as is otherwise provided by any enactment, including this Act, the Board may make standing orders for the regulation of its proceedings, and may amend or revoke such standing orders.
Uimhir 18 de 1985
ACHT NA nALTRAÍ, 1985
RIAR NA nALT
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Alt | |
1. | |
2. | |
3. | |
4. | |
5. |
An Bord Altranais
6. | |
7. | |
8. | |
9. | |
10. | |
11. | |
12. | |
13. | |
14. | |
15. | |
16. | |
17. | |
18. | |
19. | |
20. | |
21. | |
22. | |
23. | |
24. | |
25. | |
26. |
Clárú
27. | |
28. | |
29. | |
30. |
Oideachas agus Oiliúint
Feidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh
Ilghnéitheach
48. | |
49. | |
50. | |
51. | |
52. | Feidhmeanna i ndáil le Treoracha etc. lenar ghlac Comhairle na gComhphobal Eorpach. |
53. | |
54. | |
55. | |
56. | |
57. | |
58. | |
59. |
Na hAchtanna a Aisghairtear
Rialacha i nDáil le Comhaltas agus Cruinnithe an Bhoird Altranais (The Nursing Board)
Na hAchtanna dá dTagraítear | |
Finance Act, 1895 | 58 agus 59 Vic. c. 16 |
Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851 | 1851, c. 93 |
Uimhir 18 de 1985
ACHT NA nALTRAÍ, 1985
[An tiontú oifigiúil]
CUID I
Réamhráiteach agus Ginearálta
Gearrtheideal.
1.—Féadfar Acht na nAltraí, 1985, a ghairm den Acht seo.
Léiriú.
2.—San Acht seo—
ciallaíonn “an Bord” An Bord Altranais nó the Nursing Board a bhunaítear leis an Acht seo;
ciallaíonn “an lá bunaithe” an lá a cheaptar ina lá bunaithe faoi alt 4 den Acht seo;
ciallaíonn “an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh” an coiste a bhunóidh an Bord faoi alt 13 (2) den Acht seo;
ciallaíonn “an Seanbhord” an Bord Altranais a bunaíodh faoi Acht na nAltran, 1950;
ciallaíonn “bord sláinte” bord sláinte arna bhunú faoin Acht Sláinte, 1970;
ciallaíonn “Ballstát” stát, seachas an Stát, ar comhalta é de Chomhphobail Eacnamaíochta na hEorpa;
ciallaíonn “cnáimhseach” duine a bhfuil a ainm taifeadta i roinn na gcnáimhseach den chlár;
ciallaíonn “an tAire” an tAire Sláinte;
ciallaíonn “altra” bean nó fear a bhfuil a ainm nó a hainm taifeadta sa chlár agus folaíonn sé cnáimhseach agus folaíonn “altracht” “cnáimhseachas”;
ciallaíonn “forordaithe” forordaithe le rialacha arna ndéanamh ag an mBord;
ciallaíonn “an clár” clár na n-altraí a bhunaítear faoi alt 27 den Acht seo;
ciallaíonn “lia-chleachtóir cláraithe” duine a bhfuil a ainm taifeadta i gClár Ginearálta na Lia-Chleachtóirí a bunaíodh faoi Acht na Lia-Chleachtóirí, 1978;
ciallaíonn “rialacha” rialacha arna ndéanamh faoi alt 26 den Acht seo.
Tosach feidhme.
3.—Tiocfaidh an tAcht seo i ngníomh cibé lá nó laethanta a shocrófar le hordú nó orduithe ón Aire chuige sin i gcoitinne nó faoi threoir aon chríche nó forála áirithe agus féadfar laethanta éagsúla a shocrú amhlaidh chun críocha éagsúla agus forálacha éagsúla den Acht seo.
An lá bunaithe.
4.—Féadfaidh an tAire le hordú lá a cheapadh ina lá bunaithe chun críocha an Achta seo.
Aisghairm.
5.—Aisghairtear leis seo na hachtacháin a shonraítear sa Chéad Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo.
CUID II
An Bord Altranais
An Bord Altranais a bhunú.
6.—(1) Bunófar, de bhua an ailt seo, ar an lá bunaithe, comhlacht ar a dtabharfar An Bord Altranais, nó sa Bhéarla the Nursing Board (dá ngairtear an Bord san Acht seo) a mbeidh mar chúram ginearálta air oideachas gairmiúil agus oiliúint agus iompar gairmiúil de chaighdeán ard a chur chun cinn i measc altraí, agus a chomhallfaidh, go háirithe, na feidhmeanna a shanntar dó leis an Acht seo.
(2) Beidh an Bord ina chomhlacht corpraithe agus comharbas suthain aige agus beidh cumhacht agartha aige agus beidh sé inagartha ina ainm corpraithe agus beidh cumhacht aige talamh a fháil, a theachtadh agus a dhiúscairt.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, a nós imeachta féin a rialáil.
(4) Bainfidh an Dara Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht seo leis an mBord.
An Seanbhord a dhíscaoileadh.
7.—(1) Beidh an Seanbhord arna dhíscaoileadh de bhua an ailt seo an lá bunaithe.
(2) An mhaoin go léir, réadach nó pearsanta (lena n-áirítear ábhair i gcaingean), a bhí, díreach roimh an lá bunaithe, dílsithe don Seanbhord nó dá chuid féin aige nó ar teachtadh ar iontaobhas nó faoi réir coinníollacha dó, agus na cearta, na cumhachtaí agus na pribhléidí go léir a bhaineann nó a ghabhann le haon mhaoin den sórt sin, tiocfaidh siad chun bheith agus beidh siad, an lá bunaithe, gan tíolacadh ná sannadh ach faoi réir aistriú, i gcás ar gá sin, i leabhair aon bhainc, corparáide nó cuideachta, dá chuid féin ag an mBord nó dílsithe dó nó ar teachtadh ar iontaobhas nó faoi réir coinníollacha dó (de réir mar is gá sa chás).
(3) An mhaoin go léir a aistrítear leis an alt seo agus a bhí, díreach roimh an lá bunaithe, i leabhair aon bhainc nó cláraithe i leabhair aon bhainc, corparáide nó cuideachta in ainm an tSeanbhoird, déanfaidh an banc, an chorparáid nó an chuideachta, ar an mBord á iarraidh sin aon tráth an lá bunaithe nó dá éis, í a aistriú sna leabhair sin chun ainm an Bhoird.
(4) Gach ábhar i gcaingean a aistrítear leis an alt seo féadfaidh an Bord, an lá bunaithe nó dá éis, agairt ina leith, é a ghnóthú, nó é a fheidhmiú ina ainm féin agus ní gá don Bhord fógra faoin aistriú a dhéantar leis an alt seo a thabhairt don duine a bheidh faoi cheangal ag aon ábhar i gcaingean den sórt sin.
(5) Gach fiach nó dliteanas eile (lena n-áirítear dliteanais neamhleachtaithe a d'eascair ó thortanna nó ó sháruithe conartha) a bheidh, díreach roimh an lá bunaithe, dlite den Seanbhord agus gan íoc agus gan ghlanadh aige, tiocfaidh sé chun bheith agus beidh sé, an lá bunaithe, ina fhiach nó ina dhliteanas ar an mBord agus íocfaidh agus glanfaidh an Bord é agus féadfar é a ghnóthú ón mBord agus a fheidhmiú ina aghaidh dá réir sin.
(6) Gach conradh a rinneadh agus a bheidh i bhfeidhm díreach roimh an lá bunaithe idir an Seanbhord agus aon duine, leanfaidh sé i bhfeidhm an lá bunaithe nó dá éis ach forléireofar é agus beidh éifeacht leis ionann is dá gcuirfí an Bord ann in ionad an tSeanbhoird agus beidh sé infheidhmithe dá réir sin ag an mBord nó ina aghaidh.
(7) I gcás a mbeidh, díreach roimh an lá bunaithe, aon imeachtaí dlí ar feitheamh ar páirtí iontu an Seanbhord, cuirfear ainm an Bhoird in ionad ainm an tSeanbhoird agus ní rachaidh na himeachtaí ar ceal mar gheall ar na gcur-in-ionad sin.
(8) Ní bhainfidh alt 12 den Finance Act, 1895, leis an maoin nó na cearta a aistrítear leis an alt seo a dhílsiú don Bhord.
(9) Aon chonradh seirbhíse (sainráite nó intuigthe) a bheidh i bhfeidhm díreach roimh an lá bunaithe idir an Seanbhord agus aon duine, leanfaidh sé i bhfeidhm an lá bunaithe nó dá éis, ach forléireofar é agus beidh éifeacht leis ionann is dá gcuirfí ainm an Bhoird ann in ionad ainm an tSeanbhoird agus beidh gach conradh den sórt sin infheidhmithe dá réir sin ag an mBord nó ina aghaidh.
Séala an Bhoird.
8.—(1) Soláthróidh an Bord séala dó féin a luaithe is féidir tar éis a bhunaithe.
(2) Fíordheimhneofar séala an Bhoird le síniú Uachtarán an Bhoird nó le síniú cibé comhalta eile den Bhord a bheidh údaraithe ag an mBord gníomhú chuige sin mar aon le síniú oifigigh don Bhord a bheidh údaraithe ag an mBord gníomhú chuige sin.
(3) Tabharfar aird bhreithiúnach ar shéala an Bhoird, agus glacfar i bhfianaise gach doiciméad a airbheartóidh a bheith ina ionstraim a rinne an Bord agus a bheith séalaithe le séala (a airbheartóidh a bheith fíordheimhnithe de réir an ailt seo) an Bhoird agus measfar gurb é an ionstraim sin é gan a thuilleadh cruthúnais mura suífear a mhalairt.
Comhaltas an Bhoird.
9.—(1) Is é a bheidh ar an mBord 29 gcomhalta agus is mar seo a leanas a cheapfar iad, is é sin le rá—
(a) cúigear altra a chónaíonn sa Stát agus a bhíonn ag gabháil d'oiliúint altraí, agus
(i) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí atá ag cur oiliúint ar altraí san altracht ghinearálta,
(ii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí atá ag cur oiliúint ar altraí san altracht phéidiatraiceach,
(iii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí atá ag cur oiliúint ar altraí san altracht shíciatrach,
(iv) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí atá ag cur oiliúint ar altraí i gcúram daoine meabhairéislinneacha, agus,
(v) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí atá ag cur oiliúint ar altraí sa chnáimhseachas,
arna dtoghadh ag altraí;
(b) cúigear altra a chónaíonn sa Stát agus a bhíonn ag gabháil do riaradh na haltrachta agus—
(i) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do riaradh na haltrachta ginearálta,
(ii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do riaradh na haltrachta sláinte poiblí,
(iii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do riaradh na haltrachta síciatraí,
(iv) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do riaradh an chnáimhseachais, agus,
(v) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do riaradh altracht daoine meabhairéislinneacha,
arna dtoghadh ag altraí;
(c) seachtar altra a chónaíonn sa Stát agus a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh cliniciúil na haltrachta, agus—
(i) a mbeidh beirt acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh cliniciúil san altracht ghinearálta,
(ii) a mbeidh beirt acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh cliniciúil san altracht shíciatrach,
(iii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh cliniciúil sa chnáimhseachas,
(iv) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh cliniciúil san altracht sláinte poiblí, agus
(v) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'altraí a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh cliniciúil in altracht daoine meabhairéislinneacha,
arna dtoghadh ag altraí;
(d) dhá dhuine dhéag arna gceapadh ag an Aire, tar éis dó dul i gcomhairle le cibé comhlachtaí nó eagraíochtaí a mheasann sé is oiriúnach chun comhairle a chur air, agus
(i) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ina lia-chleachtóir cláraithe a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh na míochaine in ospidéal a bheidh ceadaithe ag an mBord chun oiliúint a chur ar altraí ginearálta,
(ii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ina lia-chleachtóir cláraithe a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh na míochaine in ospidéal a bheidh ceadaithe ag an mBord chun oiliúint a chur ar altraí síciatracha,
(iii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ina lia-chleachtóir cláraithe a bhíonn ag gabháil do chleachtadh na hasaoideolaíochta in ospidéal a bheidh ceadaithe ag an mBord chun oiliúint a chur ar chnáimhseacha,
(iv) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach do bhainistíocht bord sláinte,
(v) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach do bhainistíocht ospidéal, seachas ospidéal a riarann boird sláinte,
(vi) a mbeidh beirt acu ionadaitheach don Roinn Sláinte,
(vii) a mbeidh duine le taithí i gcúrsaí oideachais ar dhuine amháin acu,
(viii) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ionadaitheach d'fhorais oideachais tríú leibhéal a bhíonn ag gabháil d'oideachas agus d'oiliúint a chur ar altraí,
(ix) a mbeidh duine amháin acu ina altra, agus
(x) a mbeidh beirt acu ionadaitheach do leas an phobail i gcoitinne.
(2) Ní dhéanfaidh an tAire ceapachán de bhun mhír (d) (vii) nó mhír (d) (viii) d'fho-alt (1) den alt seo gan toiliú an Aire Oideachais.
(3) Féadfaidh an tAire, le rialacháin arna ndéanamh tar éis dó dul i gcomhairle leis an mBord, forálacha fho-alt (1) den alt seo a athrú.
(4) Aon uair a bheartóidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh de bhun fho-alt (3) den alt seo, leagfar dréacht de na rialacháin bheartaithe faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas agus ní dhéanfar na rialacháin go dtí go rithfidh gach Teach rún ag ceadú an dréachta.
Daoine a cheapadh ina gcomhaltaí den Bhord.
10.—Déanfaidh an tAire gach beart is gá lena chinntiú go gceapfar comhaltaí chun an chéad Bhoird a bhunófar tar éis thosach feidhme an Achta seo agus déanfaidh an Bord gach beart is gá lena chinntiú go gceapfar comhaltaí chun aon Bhoird ina dhiaidh sin.
Comhaltaí den Bhord a thoghadh.
11.—(1) Roimh an lá bunaithe, i gcás an chéad toghchán comhaltaí chun an Bhoird de bhun an Achta seo, agus roimh thosach a dtéarma oifige i gcás gach toghcháin ina dhiaidh sin, déanfar na comhaltaí den Bhord a bheidh le toghadh de réir alt 9 (1) (a), (b) agus (c) den Acht seo a thoghadh trí thoghchán a dhéanfar de réir rialacha a bheidh déanta ag an Aire, i gcás an chéad toghcháin, agus de réir rialacha a bheidh déanta ag an mBord, le ceadú an Aire, i gcás gach toghcháin ina dhiaidh sin, agus féadfaidh aon rialacha den sórt sin a shonrú, go háirithe, na cáilíochtaí nach mór a bheith ag iarrthóirí lena dtoghadh chun an Bhoird, na daoine a bheidh i dteideal iarrthóir a ainmniú lena thoghadh nó vótáil i dtoghchán agus féadfaidh siad aicme nó aicmí faoi leith altraí a shonrú a bheidh i dteideal vótáil ar son aon aicme faoi leith altraí.
(2) I gcás an chéad toghcháin chun an Bhoird, is é an tAire a cheapfaidh an ceann comhairimh don toghchán sin, agus i gcás gach toghcháin ina dhiaidh sin, is é an Bord a cheapfaidh an ceann comhairimh don toghchán sin.
Céad chruinniú an Bhoird.
12.—(1) Tionólfar céad chruinniú an Bhoird lá a cheapfaidh an tAire agus cuirfidh an tAire tráth agus ionad an chruinnithe sin in iúl do chomhaltaí an Bhoird.
(2) Tiocfaidh an Bord le chéile ag an tráth agus san ionad a cheapfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo dá chéad chruinniú agus air sin rachaidh sé i mbun a dhualgas faoin Acht sin.
Coistí de chuid an Bhoird.
13.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord, faoi réir na bhforálacha ina dhiaidh seo den alt seo, coistí a bhunú ó am go ham chun cibé feidhmeanna, más aon fheidhmeanna iad, den Bhord a fheidhmiú is fearr nó is caothúla a fhéadfar, i dtuairim an Bhoird, a fheidhmiú ag coiste, agus a shannfaidh an Bord do choiste.
(2) Go háirithe agus gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1) den alt seo, bunóidh an Bord coiste i ndáil lena fheidhmeanna de bhun Chuid V den Acht seo.
(3) Féadfaidh daoine nach comhaltaí den Bhord a bheith, más cuí sin leis an mBord, ina gcomhaltaí de choiste a bhunófar faoin alt seo, seachas an coiste dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) den alt seo.
(4) Ní foláir gur comhalta den Bhord cathaoirleach gach coiste a bhunofar faoin alt seo ar choinníoll, i gcás an choiste dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) den alt seo, gur comhalta den Bhord seachas Uachtarán nó Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird an cathaoirleach.
(5) Ní foláir gur comhalta den Bhord gach comhalta den choiste a bhunófar faoi fho-alt (2) den alt seo.
(6) Is daoine a ceapadh trína dtoghadh chun an Bhoird a bheidh i dtromlach comhaltaí an choiste dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (2) den alt seo agus is daoine seachas daoine a ceapadh trína dtoghadh chun an Bhoird a bheidh in aon trian ar a laghad de chomhaltaí an choiste sin.
(7) Beidh gníomhartha coiste a bhunófar faoin alt seo faoi réir a ndaingnithe ag an mBord mura scaoilfidh an Bord, tráth ar bith, leis an daingniú sin a bheith riachtanach.
(8) Féadfaidh an Bord, faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, nós imeachta coistí a bhunófar faoin alt seo a rialáil ach, faoi réir aon rialála den sórt sin, féadfaidh coistí a bhunófar faoin alt seo a nós imeachta féin a rialáil.
Caiteachais comhaltaí den Bhord agus de choistí.
14.—Íocfar le comhalta den Bhord nó d'aon choiste a bhunóidh an Bord, as cistí a bheidh faoina réir ag an mBord, cibé liúntais i leith caiteachais taistil agus cothaithe a thabhóidh sé i ndáil le freastal ar chruinniú den Bhord nó ar shlí eile i ndáil le gnó an Bhoird a chinnfidh an tAire le toiliú Aire na Seirbhíse Poiblí.
An Bord a chur as oifig.
15.—(1) Má mhainníonn nó má fhaillíonn nó má dhiúltaíonn an Bord aon fheidhm a bheidh sannta dó faoin Acht seo a chomhlíonadh féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, a ordú don Bhord an fheidhm sin a fheidhmiú agus chun na críche sin cibé nithe nó rudaí eile a ghabhann nó a bhaineann leis an bhfeidhm agus a bheidh sonraithe san ordú a dhéanamh.
(2) Má mhainníonn an Bord déanamh de réir aon ordachán ón Aire a bheidh in ordú a dhéanfaidh sé faoi fho-alt (1) den alt seo, féadfaidh an tAire, le hordú, comhaltaí an Bhoird a chur as oifig.
(3) Féadfaidh ordú a dhéanfaidh an tAire faoin alt seo cibé forálacha a bheith ann a mheasfaidh an tAire is gá chun go bhféadfar feidhmeanna an Bhoird a chomhlíonadh d'ainneoin comhaltaí an Bhoird a bheith curtha as oifig agus féadfaidh aon ordú den sórt sin, go háirithe, duine nó daoine a cheapadh chun gach feidhm nó aon fheidhm de chuid an Bhoird a fheidhmiú.
(4) Féadfaidh an tAire ordú arna dhéanamh faoin alt seo, lena n-áirítear ordú faoin bhfo-alt seo, a leasú nó a chúlghairm.
(5) Leagfar gach ordú faoin alt seo faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach den Oireachtas, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe, beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin agus i gcás ordú a rinneadh faoi fho-alt (2) den alt seo, déanfar na comhaltaí den Bhord a cuireadh as oifig de bhua an ordaithe a chur ar ais in oifig ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin ag aon duine nó daoine a ceapadh chun gach feidhm nó aon fheidhm de chuid an Bhoird a fheidhmiú faoin ordú agus dá bhua.
Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin.
16.—(1) Beidh príomh-oifigeach ann a ghníomhóidh mar Phríomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin an Bhoird agus ar a dtabharfar Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin an Bhoird.
(2) Is é an Bord a cheapfaidh an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin agus sealbhóidh sé a oifig ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha agus comhlíonfaidh sé cibé dualgais a chinnfidh an Bord ó am go ham, le toiliú an Aire.
(3) Íocfaidh an Bord lena Phríomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin as cistí a bheidh faoina réir aige cibé luach saothair agus liúntais a chinnfidh an Bord ó am go ham le toiliú an Aire.
(4) Féadfaidh an tAire, aon uair agus a mhinice is oiriúnach leis, a dhearbhú nach mbeidh aon chumhacht a thugtar don Bhord leis an alt seo infheidhmithe ach amháin le toiliú an Aire agus aon uair a bheidh aon dearbhú den sórt sin i bhfeidhm, ní bheidh an chumhacht sin infheidhmithe ach amháin leis an toiliú sin.
Oifigigh agus seirbhísigh eile don Bhord.
17.—(1) I dteannta an Phríomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin, ceapfar cibé daoine agus cibé líon daoine a chinnfidh an Bord ó am go ham le toiliú an Aire chun bheith ina n-oifigigh agus ina seirbhísigh don Bhord.
(2) Is é an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin a cheapfaidh oifigeach nó seirbhíseach don Bhord agus sealbhóidh sé a oifig nó a fhostaíocht ar cibé téarmaí agus coinníollacha agus comhlíonfaidh sé cibé dualgais a chinnfidh an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin ó am go ham.
(3) Íocfaidh an Bord lena oifigigh agus lena sheirbhísigh, seachas an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin, as cistí a bheidh faoina réir aige, cibé luach saothair agus liúntais a chinnfidh an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin ó am go ham le toiliú an Aire.
(4) Féadfaidh an tAire, aon uair agus a mhinice is oiriúnach leis, a dhearbhú nach mbeidh aon chumhacht a thugtar don Bhord nó don Phríomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin leis an alt seo infheidhmithe ach amháin le toiliú an Aire agus aon uair a bheidh aon dearbhú den sórt sin i bhfeidhm, ní bheidh an chumhacht sin infheidhmithe, i ndáil le haon oifig nó fostaíocht lena mbaineann an dearbhú, ach amháin leis an toiliú sin.
Teorainneacha aoise.
18.—Duine is buanoifigeach don Bhord, scoirfidh sé de bheith ina bhuanoifigeach ar é do shlánú 65 bliana d'aois.
Aoisliúntas.
19.—Bainfidh an tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil (Aoisliúntas), 1956, leis an mBord agus lena oifigigh agus lena sheirbhísigh ionann is dá mba údarás áitiúil an Bord agus gurbh oifigigh agus seirbhísigh d'údarás áitiúil iadsan agus bainfidh an tAcht Rialtais Áitiúil (Aoisliúntas), 1980, leis an mBord agus lena oifigigh agus lena sheirbhísigh ionann is dá mba chomhlacht lena mbaineann alt 2 den Acht sin an Bord agus gurbh oifigigh agus seirbhísigh do chomhlacht den sórt sin iadsan, ach beidh feidhm ag an dá Acht sin maidir leis an mBord faoi réir aon mhodhnuithe (lena n-áirítear modhnuithe ar aon scéim nó rialacháin faoin Acht Rialtais Áitiúil (Aoisliúntas), 1980, agus modhnuithe i ndáil le seirbhís is ináirithe mar sheirbhís inphinsin) a chinnfidh an tAire, le toiliú an Aire Comhshaoil.
Oifigeach nó seirbhíseach don Bhord a bheith ina chomhalta de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó de Thionól na gComhphobal Eorpach.
20.—(1) Más rud é, i gcás duine is oifigeach nó seirbhíseach don Bhord—
(a) go n-ainmneofar é mar chomhalta de Sheanad Éireann, nó
(b) go dtoghfar é mar chomhalta de cheachtar Teach den Oireachtas nó de Thionól na gComhphobal Eorpach, nó
(c) go measfar, de bhun alt 15 (a cuireadh isteach leis an Acht um Thoghcháin do Thionól na hEorpa, 1984) den Acht um Thoghcháin do Thionól na hEorpa, 1977, é a bheith tofa chun an Tionóil sin chun folúntas a líonadh,
beidh sé ar iasacht air sin ó fhostaíocht an Bhoird agus ní íocfaidh an Bord leis, ná ní bheidh sé i dteideal go bhfaighidh sé ón mBord, aon luach saothair ná liúntais in aghaidh na tréimhse dar tosach tráth a thofa nó a ainmnithe amhlaidh nó an tráth a measfar amhlaidh é a bheith tofa, de réir mar a bheidh, agus dar críoch an tráth a scoirfidh sé de bheith ina chomhalta de cheachtar Teach acu sin nó den Tionól sin.
(2) Duine a bheidh, de thuras na huaire i dteideal faoi Bhuan-Orduithe ceachtar Tí den Oireachtas suí sa Teach sin nó is comhalta de Thionól na gComhphobal Eorpach beidh sé, fad a bheidh sé i dteideal amhlaidh nó ina chomhalta den sórt sin, dícháilithe chun bheith ina oifigeach nó ina sheirbhíseach don Bhord.
(3) Gan dochar do ghinearáltacht fho-alt (1) den alt seo, forléireofar an fo-alt sin mar fho-alt a thoirmiscfidh tréimhse a luaitear ann a ríomh mar sheirbhís leis an mBord le haghaidh aon sochair aoisliúntais.
Cuntais an Bhoird.
21.—(1) Coimeádfaidh an Bord na cuntais go léir is cuí ar ioncam agus ar chaiteachais uile an Bhoird agus ar fhoinsí an ioncaim sin agus ar ábhar an chaiteachais sin agus coimeádfaidh an Bord na cuntais go léir is cuí ar mhaoin, ar shócmhainní agus ar dhliteanais an Bhoird.
(2) Déanfar cuntais an Bhoird a iniúchadh uair ar a laghad gach bliain ag iniúchóir a cheapfaidh an tAire chun na críche sin agus déanfaidh an Bord táillí an iniúchóra sin agus costais an iniúchta sin i gcoitinne a íoc a luaithe is féidir tar éis gach iniúchta den sórt sin.
(3) Déanfar, a luaithe is féidir tar éis gach iniúchta faoin alt seo, cóip de chuntais an Bhoird agus deimhniú an iniúchóra agus a thuarascáil orthu a thabhairt don Aire.
(4) Cuirfidh an Bord faoi deara, a luaithe is féidir tar éis gach iniúchta faoin alt seo, na cuntais sin agus deimhniú agus tuarascáil an iniúchóra orthu a chló, a fhoilsiú agus a chur ar díol, agus díreach tar éis gach foilsithe den sórt sin, déanfar cóip de na cuntais sin agus an deimhniú agus an tuarascáil sin orthu, arna gcló agus arna bhfoilsiú amhlaidh, a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas.
Cumhacht an Bhoird airgead a fháil ar iasacht.
22.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord, faoi réir aon choinníollacha a fhorchuirfidh an tAire, nó de réir aon ordacháin a thabharfaidh sé, airgead a fháil ar iasacht chun críocha caipitiúla nó críocha reatha.
(2) Féadfar aon airgead a gheobhaidh an Bord ar iasacht de bhun an ailt seo agus aon ús a fhaibhreoidh air a urrú ar ioncam, cistí nó maoin an Bhoird.
An Bord do ghlacadh bronntanas.
23.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord bronntanais airgid, talún nó maoine eile a ghlacadh ar cibé iontaobhais agus coinníollacha, más ann, a shonróidh an deontóir.
(2) Ní ghlacfaidh an Bord bronntanas má bhíonn na coinníollacha a bheidh curtha lena ghlacadh ag an deontóir ar neamhréir le feidhmeanna an Bhoird.
Caiteachais an Bhoird agus an Aire.
24.—(1) Íocfaidh an Bord as cistí a bheidh faoina réir ag an mBord na caiteachais go léir a thabhóidh an Bord.
(2) Déanfar aon chaiteachais a thabhóidh an tAire ag riaradh an Achta seo a íoc, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire Airgeadais, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
Táillí.
25.—Féadfaidh an Bord cibé táillí a ghearradh a chinnfidh an Bord ó am go ham, le toiliú an Aire, i leith—
(a) duine a chlárú sa chlár,
(b) ainm duine a choinneáil sa chlár,
(c) ainm aon duine ar scriosadh nó ar baineadh, de bhun fhorálacha an Achta seo, a ainm as an gclár, a chur ar ais sa chlár,
(d) deimhniú cláraitheachta a thabhairt d'aon duine,
(e) aon iarrthóir ar oiliúint altrachta a chlárú in aon chlár a bheidh á chothabháil ag an mBord,
(f) iontráil d'aon scrúdú a bheidh á stiúradh ag an mBord,
(g) iarratais chun dul faoi oiliúint altrachta,
(h) aon seirbhís eile a sholáthróidh an Bord, ó am go ham.
Rialacha.
26.—Féadfaidh an Bord, le ceadú an Aire, rialacha a dhéanamh chun críche oibriú an Achta seo agus féadfaidh aon rialacha den sórt sin inter alia foráil a dhéanamh maidir le bunú, comhaltas, feidhmeanna agus nósanna imeachta coistí d'fhonn cuidiú leis an mBord a chuid feidhmeanna faoin Acht seo a chomhlíonadh.
CUID III
Clárú
An clár.
27.—(1) Déanfaidh an Bord, de réir rialacha a dhéanfaidh an Bord, clár altraí a chothabháil (dá ngairtear an clár san Acht seo) agus roinnfear an clár sna ranna a shonraítear sna rialacha sin agus beidh ar áireamh sna ranna sin roinn a bhainfidh le cnáimhseacha.
(2) Déanfaidh an Bord, a luaithe is féidir tar éis a bhunaithe, an clár a ullmhú agus a bhunú.
(3) Aon tagairt san Acht seo do chlár na n-altraí measfar, mura n-éilíonn an comhthéacs a mhalairt, gur tagairt í a fholaíonn tagairt d'aon roinn den chlár agus forléireofar “cláraithe” agus “clárú” dá réir.
(4) Foilseoidh an Bord clár na n-altraí nó aon roinn nó ranna de ag cibé tráthanna agus i cibé slí a ordóidh an tAire.
(5) Cuirfidh altra aon athrú ar a ainm nó ar a sheoladh in iúl don Bhord.
(6) Déanfaidh an Bord cibé bearta a mheasann sé is gá ó am go ham chun a chinntiú go bhfuil ainmneacha agus seoltaí na ndaoine atá cláraithe sa chlár cruinn.
(7) Gach duine a dtaifeadfar a ainm sa chlár, déanfaidh an Bord, a luaithe is féidir tar éis clárú an duine sin a bheith críochnaithe, deimhniú á rá go bhfuil a ainm taifeadta sa chlár a sheoladh chuige.
(8) Deimhniú a eiseoidh an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin á rá go bhfuil ainm an duine lena mbaineann an deimhniú taifeadta sa chlár beidh sé, gan cruthúnas ar shíniú an duine a airbheartaíonn gurbh é a shínigh an deimhniú nó gurbh é an duine sin an duine cuí lena shíniú amhlaidh, ina fhianaise in aon imeachtaí dlíthiúla ar na nithe a bheidh deimhnithe sa deimhniú, go dtí go suífear a mhalairt.
Clárú i gclár na n-altraí.
28.—(1) Déanfaidh an Bord, de réir rialacha, gach duine a shásaíonn an Bord go gcomhlíonann sé na coinníollacha forordaithe le haghaidh clárú, a chlárú sa chlár.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord-duine a chlárú i níos mó ná roinn amháin den chlár má iarrann an duine sin é agus má shásaíonn sé na coinníollacha forordaithe le haghaidh clárú i ngach roinn acu sin.
(3) Déanfar gach duine a bhfuil a ainm, ar dháta an chláir a bhunú, taifeadta i gclár na n-altraí a bhí á chothabháil ag an Seanbhord de bhun Acht na nAltran, 1950, a chlárú sa chlár.
(4) Gach duine is náisiúnach de Bhallstát agus a mbeidh cáilíocht san altracht dáfa dó i mBallstát ar cáilíocht í a bhfuil sé d'oibleagáid ar an Stát aitheantas a thabhairt di de bhun fhorálacha aon Treorach lenar ghlac Comhairle na gComhphobal Eorpach, déanfar, ar é do dhéanamh iarratais san fhoirm agus ar an modh a bheidh sonraithe i rialacha arna ndéanamh ag an mBord, agus ar cibé táille a bheidh sonraithe amhlaidh a íoc, é a chlárú sa chlár.
(5) Ní oibreoidh aon ní san alt seo chun a chosc ar an mBord diúltú ainm aon duine a chlárú is duine a bheidh, thairis sin, i dteideal a bheith cláraithe, ar fhoras neamhfheidhmiúlacht an duine sin gabháil do chleachtadh na haltrachta.
(6) Ar chinneadh a dhéanamh de bhun fho-alt (5) den alt seo, déanfaidh an Bord fógra i scríbhinn a inseoidh an cinneadh, dáta an chinnidh agus na cúiseanna leis a sheoladh láithreach leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine lena mbaineann an cinneadh.
(7) Féadfaidh duine lena mbaineann cinneadh faoi fho-alt (5) den alt seo iarratas a dhéanamh, laistigh den tréimhshe dhá mhí dar tosach dáta an chinnidh, chun na hArd-Chúirte go gcealófar an cinneadh agus má dhéanann an duine sin iarratas den sórt sin, féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar an iarratas a éisteacht—
(a) a dhearbhú gur chuí don Bhord an cinneadh a dhéanamh, nó
(b) an cinneadh a chealú agus a ordú don Bhord ainm an duine a rinne an t-iarratas a chlárú, nó
(c) an cinneadh a chealú agus—
(i) a ordú don Bhord cinneadh nua a dhéanamh, nó
(ii) cibé orduithe eile is cuí leis an gCúirt a thabhairt don Bhord.
An clár a cheartú.
29.—(1) D'fhonn an clár a choimeád ceart déanfaidh an Bord ó am go ham de réir mar is gá sa chás gach dearmad focal nó cléireachais sa chlár sin a cheartú, gach taifead ann a tugadh chun críche trí chalaois nó mífhaisnéis a bhaint de, gach athrú a thiocfaidh ar a n-iúl ar sheoltaí na ndaoine a bheidh cláraithe sa chlár a thaifeadadh ann, agus ainmneacha na ndaoine ar fad ar cuireadh i bhfios don Bhord nó ar tháinig sé ar iúl an Bhoird go bhfuil siad tar éis bháis a bhaint den chlár.
(2) Aon uair a dhéanfaidh an Bord beart de bhun fho-alt (1) den alt seo d'fhonn an clár a choimeád ceart, déanfaidh an Bord láithreach an beart atá déanta agus na cúiseanna leis a chur in iúl don duine lena mbainfidh, nó dá neasghaol, de réir mar a bheidh.
Daoine i ngairmeacha coimhdeacha a chlárú.
30.—Féadfaidh an Bord, le toiliú an Aire, ainmneacha daoine atá ag gabháil do ghairm atá coimhdeach don altracht a chlárú i gclár a bheidh á chothabháil chun na críche sin, agus beidh feidhm, maidir le haon chlárú den sórt sin, ag forálacha an Achta seo, faoi réir cibé modhnuithe a bheidh sonraithe i rialacha a dhéanfaidh an Bord le toiliú an Aire.
CUID IV
Oideachas agus Oiliúint
Rialacha i gcomhair cúrsaí oiliúna agus scrúduithe d'iarrthóirí ar chlárú i gclár na n-altraí.
31.—Féadfaidh an Bord, de réir rialacha, socrú nó foráil a dhéanamh le haghaidh na gcúrsaí oiliúna agus na scrúduithe a dhéanfaidh iarrthóirí ar chlárú i gclár na n-altraí agus a ordú cad é an modh ar a dtabharfar oiliúint agus cad iad na coinníollacha faoina dtabharfar í, agus, go háirithe, féadfaidh na rialacha sin socrú a dhéanamh—
(a) i dtaobh an Bord do cheadú léachtóirí agus múinteoirí chun críocha na rialacha sin,
(b) i dtaobh na gcoinníollacha iontrála chun na scrúduithe, agus
(c) i dtaobh deimhnithe a dheonú do dhaoine a dhéanfaidh na cúrsaí agus a ghnóthóidh na scrúduithe.
Rialacha i gcomhair cúrsaí oiliúna agus scrúduithe d'altraí.
32—Féadfaidh an Bord, de réir rialacha, socrú nó foráil a dhéanamh le haghaidh cúrsaí oiliúna agus scrúduithe d'altraí, agus i dtaobh deimhnithe nó dioplómaí a dheonú d'altraí a dhéanfaidh na cúrsaí sin agus a ghnóthóidh na scrúduithe sin, agus féadfaidh an Bord a ordú cad é an modh ina dtabharfar oiliúint agus cad iad na coinníollacha faoina dtabharfar í, agus, go háirithe, féadfaidh na rialacha sin socrú a dhéanamh—
(a) i dtaobh an Bord do cheadú léachtóirí agus múinteoirí chun críocha na rialacha sin,
(b) i dtaobh na gcoinníollacha iontrála chun na scrúduithe, agus
(c) i dtaobh deimhnithe a dheonú do dhaoine a dhéanfaidh na cúrsaí agus a ghnóthóidh na scrúduithe.
Scrúduithe a chur ar siúl, etc.
33.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord na scrúduithe a chur ar siúl a mbeidh socrú déanta ina gcomhair le rialacha agus, leis na rialacha sin, modh stiúrtha na scrúduithe sin a rialáil.
(2) Ceapfaidh an Bord na scrúdaitheoirí (agus ní bheidh aon duine acu ina chomhalta den Bhord) ag gach scrúdú a chuirfear ar siúl faoin alt seo, agus beidh ag na scrúdaitheoirí sin cibé cáilíochtaí agus cibé taithí i ndáil le haltracht is cuí leis an mBord, agus tabharfar luach saothair dóibh de réir scála a shocróidh an Bord le ceadú an Aire.
An Bord do cheadú ospidéal agus foras a bheidh oiriúnach chun críocha oiliúna.
34.—(1) Más deimhin leis an mBord, ar iarratas chuige sin a dhéanamh chuige, go bhfuil ospidéal nó foras oiriúnach chun altraí, nó iarrthóirí ar chlárú i gclár na n-altraí, a oiliúint ann, ceadóidh an Bord an t-ospidéal nó an foras sin le haghaidh na hoiliúna sin.
(2) Chun éifeacht a thabhairt d'fhorálacha fho-alt (1) den alt seo, féadfaidh an Bord, le rialacha, coinníollacha oiriúnachta a shonrú d'ospidéil agus d'fhorais.
(3) Measfar, mura gcinnfidh an Bord a mhalairt, go bhfuil gach ospidéal nó foras a cheadaigh an Seanbhord chun críocha alt 53 d'Acht na nAltran, 1950, ceadaithe ag an mBord.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord, le toiliú an Aire, ceadú faoin alt seo i leith ospidéil nó forais a tharraingt siar.
(5) Aon ospidéal nó foras a ndiúltóidh an Bord é a cheadú, féadfaidh sé iarratas a dhéanamh chun an Aire á iarraidh air a ordú don Bhord é a cheadú agus má thugann an tAire an t-ordú sin, tar éis fíorais an cháis a bhreithniú, ceadóidh an Bord an t-ospidéal nó an foras.
Dul isteach in ospidéal etc. i gcomhair oiliúint.
35.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord na riachtanais oideachais íosta a chinneadh is gá le dul isteach i gcomhair oiliúint mar altra in ospidéal nó i bhforas a bheidh ceadaithe ag an mBord de bhun alt 34 den Acht seo.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord, má chinneann sé amhlaidh, príomh-bhiúró iarratas a bhunú chun iarratais a phróiseáil ó dhaoine ar mian leo dul faoi oiliúint mar altra.
(3) Má bhunaíonn an Bord príomh-bhiúró iarratas, de bhun fho-alt (2) den alt seo, ní dhéanfaidh ospidéal ná foras a bheidh ceadaithe ag an mBord de bhun alt 34 den Acht seo, aon duine nach mbeidh ceadaithe agus molta ag an mBord a ghlacadh i gcomhair oiliúint gan toiliú an Bhoird.
Feidhmeanna ilghnéitheacha an Bhoird i ndáil le hoideachas agus oiliúint.
36.—(1) Déanfaidh an Bord, ó am go ham de réir riachtanas na hócáide, ach in aon chás uair amháin gach cúig bliana ar a laghad, na nithe seo a leanas a dheimhniú dó féin—
(a) oiriúnacht an oideachais agus na hoiliúna i gcomhair altraí a sholáthraíonn aon ospidéal nó foras a bheidh ceadaithe ag an mBord de bhun alt 34 den Acht seo,
(b) na caighdeáin eolais theoiriciúil agus phraiticiúil is gá le haghaidh scrúduithe,
(c) an oiliúint agus an taithí chliniciúil a sholáthraítear in aon chlár oiliúna a eagraíonn ospidéal nó foras a bheidh ceadaithe ag an mBord de bhun alt 34 den Acht seo, agus
(d) leordhóthanacht agus oiriúnacht na gcúrsaí oiliúna iarchláraithe le haghaidh altraí a sholáthraíonn comhlachtaí dá dtugann an Bord aitheantas chun na críche sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord taighde a dhéanamh ar oideachas agus oiliúint altraí, lena n-áirítear curaclaim thrialacha a leagan amach agus cláir láithreacha agus nósanna imeachta scrúdúcháin agus measúnachta a mheas.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord taifid staitistiúla a chothabháil agus na taifid sin a chur ar fáil le haghaidh taighde agus pleanáil, lena n-áirítear críocha pleanála daonchumhachta.
Dualgas a chinntiú go ndéantar de réir caighdeán íosta a bheidh sonraithe ag Comhairle na gComhphobal Eorpach.
37.—Cinnteoidh an Bord go mbeidh na ceanglais i ndáil le hoideachas agus oiliúint altraí nó iarrthóirí ar chlárú sa chlár de réir na gcaighdeán íosta a bheidh sonraithe in aon Treoir nó Rialachán lenar ghlac nó a rinne Comhairle na gComhphobal Eorpach i ndáil leis na cáilíochtaí is gá a bheith ag altraí chun clárú a áirithiú.
CUID V
Feidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh
Fiosrúchán ag an gCoiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh faoi iompar altra.
38.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord nó duine ar bith iarratas a dhéanamh chun an Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh ar fhiosrúchán faoi fheidhmiúlacht altra chun altracht a chleachtadh ar na forais seo—
(a) mí-iompar gairmiúil líomhnaithe, nó
(b) neamhfheidhmiúlacht líomhnaithe chun gabháil don chleachtadh sin mar gheall ar mhíchumas coirp nó meabhrach,
agus déanfaidh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh, faoi réir fhorálacha an Achta seo, an t-iarratas a bhreithniú.
(2) I gcás go ndéanfar iarratas faoin alt seo agus gur dóigh leis an gCoiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh, tar éis an t-iarratas a bhreithniú. nach bhfuil dóthain cúise ann chun fiosrúchán a sheoladh, cuirfidh sé é sin in iúl don Bhord agus féadfaidh an Bord, tar éis an t-ábhar a bhreithniú, a chinneadh nach ndéanfar beart ar bith eile i ndáil leis an ábhar agus cuirfidh sé é sin in iúl don Choiste agus don iarratasóir, nó féadfaidh sé a ordú don Choiste fiosrúchán a sheoladh faoin ábhar de réir fhorálacha an ailt seo.
(3) I gcás go ndéanfar iarratas ar fhiosrúchán faoin alt seo agus gur dóigh leis an gCoiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh, tar éis an t-iarratas a bhreithniú go bhfuil cás prima facie ann leis an bhfiosrúchán a sheoladh nó i gcás go mbeidh ordú tugtha dó ag an mBord de bhun fho-alt (2) den alt seo an fiosrúchán a sheoladh, beidh éifeacht leis an méid seo a leanas—
(a) rachaidh an Coiste ar aghaidh leis an bhfiosrúchán a sheoladh,
(b) tíolacfaidh an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin, nó aon duine eile le cead ón gCoiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh, don Choiste an fhianaise ar an mí-iompar gairmiúil líomhnaithe nó ar an neamhfheidhmiúlacht líomhnaithe chun cleachtadh mar gheall ar mhíchumas coirp nó meabhrach, de réir mar a bheidh,
(c) nuair a bheidh an fiosrúchán críochnaithe, déanfaidh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh a chinntí a chur i dtuarascáil chuig an mBord agus sonróidh sé sa tuarascáil sin an t-iarratas agus an fhianaise a leagadh faoi bhráid an Choiste agus ábhair ar bith eile i ndáil leis an altra is cuí leis an gCoiste a thuairisciú lena n-áirítear a thuairim, ag féachaint dá mbeidh sa tuarascáil—
(i) maidir le mí-iompar gairmiúil líomhnaithe an altra, nó
(ii) maidir le feidhmiúlacht nó eile an altra sin bheith ag gabháil do chleachtadh na haltrachta mar gheall ar mhíchumas coirp nó meabhrach líomhnaithe,
de réir mar a bheidh.
(4) Nuair a bheartófar fiosrúchán a sheoladh faoi fho-alt (3) den alt seo tabharfaidh an Príomh-Oifigeach Feidhmiúcháin don duine is ábhar don fhiosrúchán fógra i scríbhinn, a sheolfar leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig seoladh an duine sin mar a bheidh sé sin sa chlár, i dtaobh na fianaise a bheartaítear a bhreithniú ag an bhfiosrúchán agus tabharfar don duine sin agus d'aon duine is ionadaí dó deis bheith i láthair ag an éisteacht.
(5) Ní dhéanfar cinntí an Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh ar aon ní a cuireadh faoina bhráid ná cinneadh an Bhoird ar aon tuarascáil a thug an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh dó a phoibliú gan toiliú an duine ab ábhar don fhiosrúchán os comhair an Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh murar cinneadh, de thoradh an fhiosrúcháin sin, an duine a bheith—
(a) ciontach i mí-iompar gairmiúil, nó
(b) neamhfheidhmiúil, mar gheall ar mhíchumas coirp nó meabhrach, gabháil do chleachtadh na haltrachta,
de réir mar a bheidh.
(6) Beidh, chun críche fiosrúchán a sheolfar faoi fho-alt (3) den alt seo, ag an gCoiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh na cumhachtaí, na cearta agus na pribhléidí a bhíonn dílsithe don Ard-Chúirt nó do bhreitheamh den Ard-Chúirt ar chaingean a éisteacht—
(a) maidir lena thabhairt ar fhinnéithe bheith i láthair agus iad a cheistiú faoi mhionn nó eile, agus
(b) maidir le hiallach a chur doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird,
agus féadfar toghairm a bheidh sínithe ag Cathaoirleach an Choiste nó ag cibé comhalta eile den Choiste a bheidh údaraithe ag an gCoiste chuige sin a chur in ionad aon nós imeachta foirmiúil, agus is ionannas é d'aon nós imeachta foirmiúil, is féidir a eisiúint i gcaingean chun a thabhairt ar fhinnéithe bheith i láthair agus chun iallach a chur doiciméid a thabhairt ar aird.
(7) I gcás—
(a) duine do mhainniú bheith i láthair os comhair an Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh, ar é a thoghairm go cuí chun bheith i láthair, nó
(b) duine do dhiúltú, agus é i láthair mar fhinné os comhair an Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh, mionn a ghlacadh a iarrfaidh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh go dleathach air a ghlacadh, nó aon doiciméad a thabhairt ar aird a bheidh ina chumhacht nó faoina urláimh agus a iarrfaidh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh air a thabhairt ar aird, nó aon cheist a fhreagairt a n-iarrfaidh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh go dleathach freagra uirthi, nó
(c) duine do dhéanamh agus é i láthair os comhair an Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh, aon rud ar dhíspeagadh cúirte é dá mba chúirt dlí agus cumhacht aici cimiú mar gheall ar dhíspeagadh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh,
beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcion agus ar é a chiontú go hachomair dlífear fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur air.
(8) Beidh finné os comhair an Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh i dteideal na ndíolúintí agus na bpribhléidí céanna a bheadh aige dá mba fhinné os comhair na hArd-Chúirte é.
Clárú a scriosadh nó a fhionraí as an gclár mar gheall ar mhí-iompar gairmiúil, neamhfheidhmiúlacht chun cleachtadh nó mainneachtain táille choinneála a íoc.
39.—(1) I gcás altra—
(a) a mbeidh sé fionnta ag an gCoiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh ina thaobh ar bhonn fiosrúcháin agus tuarascála de bhun alt 38 den Acht seo go bhfuil sé ciontach i mí-iompar gairmiúil nó go bhfuil sé neamhfheidhmiúil, mar gheall ar mhíchumas coirp nó meabhrach, gabháil do chleachtadh na haltrachta, nó
(b) nach mbeidh táille choinneála a bheidh gearrtha ag an mBord íoctha aige tar éis don Bhord, dhá mhí ar a laghad roimhe sin, a iarraidh air níos mó ná uair amháin, trí fhógra i scríbhinn a seoladh leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine sin ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sin sa chlár, an táille a íoc,
féadfaidh an Bord a chinneadh ainm an duine sin a scriosadh as an gclár nó nach mbeidh, le linn tréimhse d'fhad sonraithe, éifeacht le clárú a ainm sa chlár.
(2) Ar chinneadh a dhéanamh faoin alt seo, seolfaidh an Bord láithreach leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine lena mbaineann an cinneadh, ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sa chlár, fógra i scríbhinn a inseoidh an cinneadh, dáta an chinnidh agus na cúiseanna leis.
(3) Féadfaidh duine lena mbainfidh cinneadh faoin alt seo iarratas a dhéanamh, laistigh den tréimhse 21 lá dar tosach dáta an chinnidh, chun na hArd-Chúirte go gcealófar an cinneadh agus má dhéanann duine den sórt sin iarratas amhlaidh—
(a) féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar an iarratas a éisteacht—
(i) an cinneadh a chealú, nó
(ii) a dhearbhú gur chuí don Bhord cinneadh a dhéanamh faoin alt seo i ndáil leis an duine sin, agus (de réir mar is cuí leis an gCúirt) a ordú don Bhord ainm an duine sin a scriosadh as an gclár nó a ordú nach mbeidh éifeacht le linn tréimhse sonraithe (dar tosach tráth nach luaithe ná 7 lá tar éis chinneadh na Cúirte) le clárú a ainm sa chlár, nó
(iii) cibé orduithe eile is cuí leis an gCúirt a thabhairt don Bhord,
(b) má dheimhníonn an Bord tráth ar bith don Ard-Chúirt go bhfuil moill mhíchuí déanta ag an duine sin ag dul ar aghaidh leis an iarratas, dearbhóidh an Ard-Chúirt, mura mbeidh cúis mhaith aici lena mhalairt, gur chuí don Bhord cinneadh a dhéanamh faoin alt seo i ndáil leis an duine sin agus (de réir mar is cuí leis an gCúirt) ordóidh sí don Bhord a ainm a scriosadh as an gclár nó ordóidh sí nach mbeidh éifeacht le linn tréimhse sonraithe (dar tosach tráth nach luaithe ná 7 lá tar éis chinneadh na Cúirte) le clárú a ainm sa chlár,
(c) féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt a ordú conas mar a íocfar costais an iarratais.
(4) I gcás nach ndéanfaidh duine lena mbainfidh cinneadh ón mBord faoin alt seo iarratas chun na hArd-Chúirte, laistigh den tréimhse 21 lá dar tosach dáta an chinnidh, go gcealófar an cinneadh, féadfaidh an Bord iarratas ex parte a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte go ndaingneofar an cinneadh agus má dhéanann an Bord iarratas den sórt sin, déanfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar an iarratas a éisteacht, mura mbeidh cúis mhaith aici lena mhalairt, dearbhú dá réir sin agus (de réir mar is cuí leis an gCúirt) ordóidh sí don Bhord ainm an duine sin a scriosadh as an gclár nó ordóidh sí nach mbeidh éifeacht le linn tréimhse sonraithe (dar tosach tráth nach luaithe ná 7 lá tar éis chinneadh na Cúirte) le clárú a ainm sa chlár.
(5) Is cinneadh críochnaitheach cinneadh na hArd-Chúirte ar iarratas faoin alt seo, ach amháin go mbeidh, le cead ón gCúirt sin nó ón gCúirt Uachtarach, ábhar achomhairc ag an mBord nó ag an duine lena mbaineann i gcoinne an chinnidh chun na Cúirte Uachtaraí ar cheist shonraithe dlí.
(6) (a) Ar ainm duine a scriosadh as an gclár faoin alt seo, déanfaidh an Bord fógra i scríbhinn faoin scriosadh a chur láithreach leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine sin, ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sa chlár.
(b) I gcás go dtabharfar ordú faoin alt seo nach mbeidh éifeacht le clárú ainm duine sa chlár le linn tréimhse sonraithe, déanfaidh an Bord, roimh thosach na tréimhse sin, fógra i scríbhinn faoin ordú sin a chur leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine sin ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sa chlár.
(7) Féadfar ainm aon duine a bheidh scriosta as an gclár faoin alt seo a chur ar ais sa chlár sin tráth ar bith le hordú ón mBord agus ní ar aon slí eile, agus nuair a chuirfear ainm duine ar ais amhlaidh sa chlár sin, féadfaidh an Bord cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis a chur ag gabháil lena chur ar ais (lena n-áirítear táille a íoc nach mó ná an táille ab iníoctha ag an duine sin i leith clárú dá mba é an tráth sin a bheadh sé á chlárú den chéad uair).
(8) I gcás go scoirfidh clárú duine sa chlár d'éifeacht a bheith leis faoin alt seo ar feadh tréimhse sonraithe, féadfaidh an Bord, le hordú, más cuí leis, deireadh a chur leis an bhfionraí ar an duine sin á iarraidh sin air.
(9) Ar iarratas a éisteacht faoin alt seo, féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, más cuí léi sin a dhéanamh, fianaise a ghlacadh ó aon duine cáiliúil i ngairm na haltrachta i dtaobh céard is mí-iompar gairmiúil ann agus aird a thabhairt ar an bhfianaise sin.
Coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le hainm a choinneáil ar an gclár.
40.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord, tar éis don Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh fiosrúchán a sheoladh agus tuarascáil a thabhairt de bhun alt 38 den Acht seo, a chinneadh cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis a chur ag gabháil le duine a bhfuil a ainm taifeadta sa chlár a choinneáil sa chlár.
(2) Ar chinneadh a dhéanamh faoin alt seo, seolfaidh an Bord láithreach leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine lena mbaineann an cinneadh, ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sa chlár, fógra i scríbhinn a inseoidh an cinneadh, dáta an chinnidh agus na cúiseanna leis.
(3) Féadfaidh duine lena mbainfidh cinneadh faoin alt seo iarratas a dhéanamh, laistigh den tréimhse 21 lá dar tosach dáta an chinnidh, chun na hArd-Chúirte go gcealófar an cinneadh agus má dhéanann sé iarratas amhlaidh—
(a) féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar an iarratas a éisteacht—
(i) an cinneadh a chealú, nó
(ii) a dhearbhú gur chuí don Bhord cinneadh a dhéanamh faoin alt seo i ndáil leis an duine sin agus (de réir mar is cuí leis an gCúirt) a ordú don Bhord cibé cionníollacha is cuí leis an gCúirt a chur ag gabháil le hainm an duine sin a choinneáil sa chlár, nó
(iii) cibé orduithe eile is cuí leis an gCúirt a thabhairt don Bhord,
(b) má dheimhníonn an Bord tráth ar bith don Ard-Chúirt go bhfuil moill mhíchuí déanta ag an duine sin ag dul ar aghaidh leis an iarratas, dearbhóidh an Ard-Chúirt, mura mbeidh cúis mhaith aici lena mhalairt, gur chuí don Bhord cinneadh a dhéanamh faoin alt seo i ndáil leis an duine sin agus (de réir mar is cuí leis an gCúirt) ordóidh sí don Bhord cibé coinníollacha a shonróidh an Chúirt a chur ag gabháil le hainm an duine sin a choinneáil sa chlár,
(c) féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt a ordú conas a íocfar costais an iarratais.
(4) I gcás nach ndéanfaidh duine lena mbainfidh cinneadh ón mBord faoin alt seo iarratas chun na hArd-Chúirte, laistigh den tréimhse 21 lá dar tosach dáta an chinnidh, go gcealófar an cinneadh, féadfaidh an Bord iarratas ex parte a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte go ndaingneofar an cinneadh agus má dhéanann an Bord iarratas den sórt sin, déanfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar an iarratas a éisteacht, mura mbeidh cúis mhaith aici lena mhalairt, dearbhú dá réir sin agus (de réir mar is cuí leis an gCúirt) ordóidh sí don Bhord cibé coinníollacha a shonróidh an Chúirt a chur ag gabháil le hainm an duine sin a choinneáil sa chlár.
(5) Is cinneadh críochnaitheach cinneadh na hArd-Chúirte ar iarratas faoin alt seo, ach amháin go mbeidh, le cead ón gCúirt sin nó ón gCúirt Uachtarach, ábhar achomhairc ag an mBord nó ag an duine lena mbaineann i gcoinne an chinnidh chun na Cúirte Uachtaraí ar cheist shonraithe dlí.
(6) Ar choinníollacha a chur faoin alt seo ag gabháil le hainm duine a choinneáil sa chlár, déanfaidh an Bord fógra i scríbhinn faoi na coinníollacha a chur láithreach leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine sin ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sa chlár.
(7) Féadfaidh an Bord tráth ar bith deireadh a chur go hiomlán nó go páirteach leis na coinníollacha a bheidh ag gabháil le hainm aon duine a choinneáil sa chlár.
Cumhachtaí an Bhoird comhairle, rabhadh, etc., a thabhairt.
41.—(1) Tar éis don Choiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh fiosrúchán a sheoladh agus tuarascáil a thabhairt de bhun alt 38 den Acht seo i dtaobh iompar duine a mbeidh a ainm taifeadta sa chlár, féadfaidh an Bord ar thuarascáil an Choiste a fháil, comhairle nó rabhadh a thabhairt don duine sin, nó é a cháineadh, i ndáil lena iompar gairmiúil, más cuí sin leis an mBord.
(2) Féadfar na cumhachtaí a thugtar le fo-alt (1) den alt seo a fheidhmiú i dteannta nó in ionad aon cheann de na cumhachtaí a thugtar le hailt 39, 40 agus 42 den Acht seo.
Daoine a ciontaíodh i gcionta indíotála a scriosadh as an gclár.
42.—(1) I gcás altra a chiontú sa Stát i gcion is intriailte ar díotáil nó a chiontú lasmuigh den Stát i gcion is gníomhartha nó neamhghníomhartha ar chion iad ab intriailte ar díotáil dá mba sa Stát a dhéanfaí iad, féadfaidh an Bord a chinneadh go scriosfar ainm an duine sin as an gclár.
(2) Ar chinneadh a dhéanamh faoin alt seo, seolfaidh an Bord láithreach leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine lena mbaineann an cinneadh, ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sa chlár, fógra i scríbhinn a inseoidh an cinneadh, dáta an chinnidh agus na cúiseanna leis.
(3) Féadfaidh duine lena mbainfidh cinneadh faoin alt seo iarratas a dhéanamh, laistigh den tréimhse lá is fiche dar tosach dáta an chinnidh, chun na hArd-Chúirte go gcealófar an cinneadh agus má dhéanann duine den sórt sin iarratas den sórt sin—
(a) féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar an iarratas a éisteacht—
(i) an cinneadh a chealú, nó
(ii) an cinneadh a dhaingniú agus a ordú don Bhord ainm an duine sin a scriosadh as an gclár, nó
(iii) cibé orduithe eile is cuí leis an gCúirt a thabhairt don Bhord,
(b) má dheimhníonn an Bord tráth ar bith don Ard-Chúirt go bhfuil moill mhíchuí déanta ag an duine sin ag dul ar aghaidh leis an iarratas, déanfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, mura mbeidh cúis mhaith aici lena mhalairt, an cinneadh a dhaingniú agus a ordú don Bhord ainm an duine sin a scriosadh as an gclár,
(c) féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt a ordú conas a íocfar costais an iarratais.
(4) I gcás nach ndéanfaidh duine lena mbainfidh cinneadh ón mBord faoin alt seo iarratas chun na hArd-Chúirte, laistigh den tréimhse lá is fiche dar tosach dáta an chinnidh, go gcealófar an cinneadh, féadfaidh an Bord iarratas ex parte a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte go ndaingneofar an cinneadh agus má dhéanann an Bord iarratas den sórt sin déanfaidh an Ard-Chúirt, ar an iarratas a éisteacht, mura mbeidh cúis mhaith aici lena mhalairt, an cinneadh a dhaingniú agus a ordú don Bhord ainm an duine sin a scriosadh as an gclár.
(5) Is cinneadh críochnaitheach cinneadh na hArd-Chúirte ar iarratas faoin alt seo, ach amháin go mbeidh, le cead ón gCúirt sin nó ón gCúirt Uachtarach, ábhar achomhairc ag an mBord nó ag an duine lena mbaineann i gcoinne an chinnidh chun na Cúirte Uachtaraí ar cheist shonraithe dlí.
(6) Ar ainm duine a scriosadh as an gclár faoin alt seo, déanfaidh an Bord fógra i scríbhinn faoin scriosadh a chur láithreach leis an bpost réamhíoctha chuig an duine sin ag a sheoladh mar a bheidh sé sa chlár.
(7) Féadfar ainm aon duine a bheidh scriosta as an gclár faoin alt seo a chur ar ais sa chlár tráth ar bith le hordú ón mBord agus ní ar aon slí eile agus nuair a chuirfear ainm duine ar ais amhlaidh sa chlár féadfaidh an Bord cibé coinníollacha is cuí leis an mBord a chur ag gabháil lena chur ar ais (lena n-áirítear táille a íoc nach mó ná an táille ab iníoctha ag an duine sin dá mba é an tráth sin a bheadh sé á chlárú den chéad uair).
Leanúint d'fhiosrúchán atá ar bun.
43.—I gcás a mbeidh cinnte ag an Seanbhord fiosrúchán a sheoladh de bhun Acht na nAltran, 1950, nó a mbeidh aon chomhalta nó comhaltaí den Bhord sin ceaptha aige lena sheoladh, agus nach mbeidh an fiosrúchán sin críochnaithe roimh thosach feidhme an Achta seo, scoirfear den fhiosrúchán agus atosóidh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh air ionann is dá mbeadh an tAcht seo i bhfeidhm an tráth a rinneadh an cinneadh sin nó a ceapadh an comhalta nó na comhaltaí sin agus bainfidh forálacha na Coda seo den Acht seo le haon fhiosrúchán a scoirfear de agus a n-atosófar air de bhun an ailt seo.
Iarratas ón mBord ar ordú d'fhionraí cláraithe.
44.—(1) Aon uair is deimhin leis an mBord gurb é leas an phobail sin a dhéanamh, féadfaidh an Bord iarratas a dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte ar ordú, i ndáil le haon duine a bheidh cláraithe sa chlár, nach mbeidh éifeacht, le linn na tréimhse a bheidh sonraithe san ordú, le clárú ainm an duine sin sa chlár.
(2) Féadfar iarratas faoin alt seo a dhéanamh go hachomair agus éistfear é ar shlí eile seachas go poiblí.
(3) Féadfaidh an Ard-Chúirt cibé ordú eatramhach nó idirbhreitheach (más aon ordú é) a mheasann sí is iomchuí a dhéanamh in aon iarratas faoin alt seo.
Pribhléid i leith nithe áirithe.
45.—Imeachtaí faoi alt 38 den Acht seo, imeachtaí an Bhoird nó teachtaireachtaí chuige nó uaidh de bhun ailt 39, 40, 41 nó 42 den Acht seo, tuarascálacha a thabharfaidh an Coiste um Fheidhmiúlacht chun Cleachtadh don Bhord faoin gCuid seo den Acht seo agus aon teachtaireachtaí eile idir an Coiste agus an Bord i bhfeidhmiú nó i gcomhlíonadh cumhachtaí, dualgais nó feidhmeanna an Choiste nó an Bhoird, de réir mar a bheidh, beidh siad, in aon chaingean mar gheall ar chlúmhilleadh, faoi phribhléid iomlán.
Fógra don Aire i dtaobh ainm a scriosadh nó a cuireadh ar ais agus i dtaobh fionraithe a rinneadh agus fionraithe ar cuireadh deireadh leo.
46.—Tabharfaidh an Bord fógra don Aire, agus i gcás duine a bhfuil ainm a fhostóra ar eolas ag an mBord, don fhostóir sin nuair a dhéanfar—
(a) ainm duine a scriosadh as an gclár,
(b) ainm duine a chur ar ais sa chlár,
(c) ainm duine a chur ar fionraí as an gclár,
(d) deireadh a chur le tréimhse fionraí as an gclár, nó
(e) coinníollacha a chur ag gabháil le hainm duine a choinneáil sa chlár,
go ndearnadh an scriosadh, an cur ar ais nó an fhionraí, gur cuireadh deireadh leis an bhfionraí nó gur cuireadh coinníollacha, de réir mar a bheidh.
Ainm a baineadh den chlár a chur ar ais ann nó deireadh a chur le fionraí a cuireadh mar gheall ar tháille choinneála a bheith gan íoc.
47.—(1) Déanfaidh an Bord ar aon duine d'íoc táille speisialta leis an mBord, is duine ar scriosadh a ainm nó ar cuireadh a chlárú ar fionraí, de bhun alt 39 (1) (b) den Acht seo, as an gclár mar gheall ar tháille choinneála a bheith gan íoc aige (agus ní mar gheall ar aon chúis eile), ainm an duine a chur ar ais sa chlár nó deireadh a chur leis an bhfionraí, de réir mar a bheidh.
(2) San alt seo ciallaíonn “táille speisialta” táille de cibé méid a shocróidh an Bord ó am go ham le toiliú an Aire.
CUID VI
Ilghnéitheach
Comhshocraíochtaí le daoine le cabhrú leis an mBord.
48.—Féadfaidh an Bord comhshocraíochtaí a dhéanamh agus a chomhlíonadh le haon duine nó comhlacht le cabhrú leis an mBord nó le haon choiste dá chuid chun aon chuid dá fheidhmeanna a fheidhmiú go cuí.
An teideal altra, cnáimhseach etc, a úsáid go míchuí.
49.—(1) Duine ar bith—
(a) nach duine a bheidh cláraithe i gclár na n-altraí, agus a thógfaidh nó a úsáidfidh an t-ainm nó an teideal altra nó cnáimhseach, go haonraic nó mar aon le focail nó litreacha eile nó aon ainm, teideal nó tuairisc, a thabharfaidh le tuiscint go bhfuil an duine cláraithe sa chlár, nó
(b) is duine a bhfuil a ainm in aon roinn den chlár agus a thógfaidh nó a úsáidfidh aon ainm, teideal nó tuairisc, nó a dhéanfaidh ar shlí eile aon ghníomh d'aon saghas, a thabharfaidh le tuiscint go bhfuil an duine cláraithe in aon roinn eile den chlár nach bhfuil ainm an duine inti, nó
(c) a bhainfidh úsáid le hintinn mheabhlaireachta, as aon deimhniú arna eisiúint faoin Acht seo chun an duine sin nó chun aon duine eile, nó
(d) a dhéanfaidh nó a thabharfaidh, nó a chuirfidh faoi deara go ndéanfar nó go dtabharfar, aon dearbhú bréagach nó aon mhífhaisnéis d'fhonn clárú a fháil faoin Acht seo nó a chabhróidh nó a neartóidh le dearbhú bréagach nó mífhaisnéis den sórt sin a dhéanamh nó a thabhairt,
beidh sé ciontach i gcion faoin alt seo agus dlífear, ar é a chiontú go hachomair fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 nó príosúnacht ar feadh téarma nach faide ná dhá mhí dhéag nó, de rogha na cúirte, an fhíneáil sin agus an phríosúnacht sin le chéile, a chur air.
(2) D'ainneoin fhorálacha alt 10 (4) den Petty Sessions (Ireland) Act, 1851, féadfar imeachtaí i leith ciona faoin alt seo a thionscnamh tráth ar bith laistigh de dhá bhliain ón uair a rinneadh an cion.
Tuarascáil ón mBord.
50.—Déanfaidh an Bord a luaithe is féidir tar éis dheireadh gach bliana, tuarascáil a ullmhú agus a fhoilsiú ar a chuid imeachtaí faoin Acht seo le linn na bliana roimhe sin.
Feidhmeanna comhairleacha ginearálta an Bhoird.
51.—(1) Is feidhm de chuid an Bhoird an tAire a chomhairliú, ar iarratas ón Aire nó ar a thionscnamh féin, i dtaobh na n-ábhar ar fad a bhaineann leis na feidhmeanna a shanntar don Bhord faoin Acht seo.
(2) Is feidhm de chuid an Bhoird treoir a thabhairt do lucht ghairm na haltrachta i gcoitinne i dtaobh na n-ábhar ar fad a bhaineann le hiompar eiticiúil.
(3) Is feidhm de chuid an Bhoird an pobal a chomhairliú i dtaobh na n-ábhar ar fad is díol suime i gcoitinne a bhaineann le feidhmeanna an Bhoird.
Feidhmeanna i ndáil le Treoracha etc. lenar ghlac Comhairle na gComhphobal Eorpach.
52.—Comhlíonfaidh an Bord cibé feidhmeanna a shannfaidh an tAire dó ó am go ham i ndáil le haon Treoir nó Rialachán lenar ghlac Comhairle na gComhphobal Eorpach nó a rinne sí agus a bhaineann le cleachtadh na haltrachta agus leis na daoine a bhíonn ag gabháil don chleachtadh sin, a chur i ngníomh.
Feidhmeanna breise a shannadh don Bhord.
53.—(1) Comhlíonfaidh an Bord cibé feidhmeanna, seachas feidhmeanna a shanntar dó faoin Acht seo, a shannfaidh an tAire dó ó am go ham le hordú i ndáil le hoideachas agus oiliúint altraí nó le hábhair eile a bhaineann le cleachtadh na haltrachta agus leis na daoine a bhíonn ag gabháil don chleachtadh sin.
(2) Féadfaidh an tAire ordú faoin alt seo, lena n-áirítear ordú faoin bhfo-alt seo, a leasú nó a chúlghairm.
(3) Leagfar gach ordú faoin alt seo faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus, má dhéanann ceachtar Teach den Oireachtas, laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an t-ordú a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an ordaithe, beidh an t-ordú ar neamhní dá réir sin ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Tagairtí don Bhord Altranais.
54.—Déanfar gach tagairt don Bhord Altranais atá in aon achtachán nó in aon ionstraim reachtúil a fhorléiriú mar thagairt don Bhord.
Rialacháin.
55.—(1) Féadfaidh an tAire rialacháin a dhéanamh chun éifeacht a thabhairt d'aon cheann d'fhorálacha an Achta seo.
(2) Déanfar gach rialachán, seachas rialachán a dhéanfar faoi alt 9 (3) den Acht seo, a leagan faoi bhráid gach Tí den Oireachtas a luaithe is féidir tar éis a dhéanta agus má dhéanann ceachtar Teach den Oireachtas laistigh den lá is fiche a shuífidh an Teach sin tar éis an rialachán sin a leagan faoina bhráid, rún a rith ag neamhniú an rialacháin beidh an rialachán ar neamhní dá réir sin ach sin gan dochar do bhailíocht aon ní a rinneadh roimhe sin faoin rialachán.
Rialacháin maidir le hoiriúnuithe.
56.—Féadfaidh an tAire, le rialacháin, maidir le haon reacht, ordú nó rialachán a bheidh i bhfeidhm tráth rite an Achta seo agus a bhaineann le haon ábhar nó ní lena ndéileálann an tAcht seo nó a ndéanann an tAcht seo difear dó, aon oiriúnuithe nó modhnuithe a dhéanamh is dóigh leis is gá chun go bhféadfaidh éifeacht i gcomhréir leis an Acht seo a bheith leis an reacht, leis an ordú nó leis an rialachán sin.
An fógra a thabharfaidh cnáimhseach do bhord sláinte.
57.—(1) Más rud é maidir le cnáimhseach, nach bhfuil ar fostú ag bord sláinte nó ag údarás ospidéil a chuireann seirbhísí máithreachais ar fáil nó ag údarás tí máithreachais, go mbeidh sé ag gabháil do chleachtadh an chnáimhseachais nó go mbeartaíonn sé an cnáimhseachas a chleachtadh, cuirfidh sé in iúl don bhord sláinte nó do na boird sláinte, de réir mar a bheidh, ar ina limistéar feidhme atá sé ag cleachtadh nó ar ann atá brath aige cleachtadh go bhfuil sé ag cleachtadh amhlaidh nó go bhfuil beartaithe aige cleachtadh amhlaidh.
(2) Beidh sé de dhualgas ar bhord sláinte ar ina limistéar feidhme atá cnáimhseach den chineál dá dtagraítear i bhfo-alt (1) den alt seo ag cleachtadh nó ar ina limistéar feidhme a bheartaíonn sé cleachtadh, maoirseacht agus rialú ginearálta a fheidhmiú de réir rialacháin arna ndéanamh ag an Aire, maidir leis an gcnáimhseach sin.
Cosc freastal ar bhreith linbh.
58.—(1) Ní dhéanfaidh duine ar bith freastal ar bhean seoil mura rud é, maidir leis an duine sin—
(a) gur cnáimhseach é, nó
(b) gur lia-chleachtóir cláraithe é, nó
(c) go bhfuil sé ag dul faoi oiliúint chun bheith ina lia-chleachtóir cláraithe nó ina chnáimhseach agus go ndéanann sé an freastal sin mar chuid de chúrsa oiliúna gairmiúla, nó
(d) go bhfuil sé ag fáil taithí agus ag dul faoi oiliúint san asaoideolaíocht agus go ndéanann sé an freastal sin mar chuid de chúrsa oiliúna gairmiúla,
ach amháin i gcás go ndéantar an freastal sin, ar shlí seachas ar luach, in aon chás riachtanais thobainn nó phráinnigh mar nach bhfuil cnáimhseach nó lia-chleachtóir cláraithe ar fáil láithreach.
(2) Beidh duine a dhéanfaidh gníomh is sárú ar fho-alt (1) den alt seo ciontach i gcion agus dlífear, ar é a chiontú go hachomair, fíneáil nach mó ná £1,000 a chur air.
Cionta a ionchúiseamh.
59.—Féadfaidh an Bord gach cion faoin Acht seo a ionchúiseamh.
AN CHÉAD SCEIDEAL
Na hAchtanna a Aisghairtear
Uimhir agus bliain | Gearrtheideal |
(1) | (2) |
AN DARA SCEIDEAL
Rialacha i nDáil le Comhaltas agus Cruinnithe an Bhoird Altranais (The Nursing Board)
Seilbh Oifige
1. Faoi réir fhorálacha an Sceidil seo i ndáil le corrfholúntais a líonadh, sealbhóidh gach comhalta den Bhord oifig, mura bhfaighidh sé bás, mura n-éireoidh sé as oifig nó mura dtiocfaidh sé faoi dhícháilíocht roimhe sin, ar feadh tréimhse cúig bliana.
2. Ní shealbhóidh aon duine oifig mar chomhalta den Bhord ar feadh níos mó ná dhá théarma chomhleanúnacha cúig bliana.
Éirí as Comhaltas agus Foirceannadh Comhaltais
3. Féadfaidh an tAire tráth ar bith ceapadh comhalta den Bhord a cheap sé féin a fhoirceannadh.
4. Féadfaidh comhalta den Bhord éirí as bheith ina chomhalta trí fhógra scríofa faoina láimh a thabhairt don Bhord, ach ní ghlacfaidh an t-éirí-as éifeacht go dtí an chéad chruinniú eile den Bhord a thionólfar tar éis an fógra faoin éirí-as a fháil.
5. Scoirfidh duine a ceapadh trína thoghadh de bheith ina chomhalta den Bhord nuair a scoirfidh sé de bheith ina altra.
Corrfholúntais
6. (a) Aon uair a tharlóidh corrfholúntas i measc na gcomhaltaí den Bhord, seachas na comhaltaí a ceapadh trína dtoghadh, cuirfidh an Bord é sin in iúl láithreach don Aire agus déanfaidh an tAire, a luaithe is caothúil, tar éis dó dul i gcomhairle le cibé comhlacht nó eagraíocht is dóigh leis is oiriúnach le haghaidh comhairle a chur air, duine a cheapadh chun an folúntas sin a líonadh agus aon duine a cheapfar amhlaidh fónfaidh sé mar chomhalta den Bhord go ceann na tréimhse a bheidh gan chaitheamh de théarma oifige an duine a nglacfaidh sé a ionad.
(b) Aon uair a tharlóidh corrfholúntas i measc na gcomhaltaí den Bhord a ceapadh trína dtoghadh, comhthoghfaidh an Bord duine a bheadh, de bhun fhorálacha an Achta seo, cáilithe chun a thofa chun an folúntas sin a líonadh agus aon duine a chomhthoghfar amhlaidh fónfaidh sé mar chomhalta den Bhord go ceann na tréimhse a bheidh gan chaitheamh de théarma oifige an duine a nglacfaidh sé a ionad.
Córam
7. Naonúr is córam do chruinniú den Bhord; ar choinníoll gur dáréag an córam i gcás cruinniú den Bhord a mbeidh ar chlár na hoibre ainm altra a scriosadh as an gclár nó as aon roinn de.
Cruinnithe
8. Tionólfaidh an Bord ceithre chruinniú ar a laghad gach bliain agus féadfaidh sé cibé cruinnithe eile a thionól is gá lena dhualgais a chomhlíonadh.
Uachtarán agus Leas-Uachtarán
9. (1) Toghfaidh an Bord ó am go ham duine dá chomhaltaí chun bheith ina Uachtarán ar an mBord agus duine eile dá chomhaltaí chun bheith ina Leas-Uachtarán ar an mBord.
(2) Sealbhóidh Uachtarán agus Leas-Uachtarán, de réir mar a bheidh, de chuid an Bhoird oifig sa cháil sin, gach duine acu, ar feadh cibé téarma a shonróidh an Bord tráth a cheaptha, mura rud é—
(a) go scoirfidh sé de bheith, nó go dtiocfaidh sé faoi dhícháilíocht chun bheith, ina chomhalta den Bhord,
(b) go n-éireoidh sé as oifig Uachtaráin nó Leas-Uachtaráin, de réir mar a bheidh, agus go nglacfaidh a éirí-as éifeacht faoin mír seo,
(c) go ndéanfaidh an Bord le rún, dá vótálfaidh dhá thrian ar a laghad de chomhaltaí an Bhoird, agus a ndéanfar fógra seacht lá ar a laghad go bhfuiltear chun é a mholadh a thabhairt do gach comhalta den Bhord, a cheapadh mar Uachtarán nó mar Leas-Uachtarán a fhoirceannadh.
(3) Féadfaidh Uachtarán nó Leas-Uachtarán de chuid an Bhoird éirí as a oifig tráth ar bith trí fhógra scríofa faoina láimh a thabhairt don Bhord, ach ní ghlacfaidh an t-éirí-as éifeacht go dtí an chéad chruinniú eile den Bhord a thionólfar tar éis don Bhord an fógra faoin éirí-as a fháil.
(4) Aon uair a tharlóidh, le linn Uachtarán nó Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird bheith á thoghadh, gur comhionann an uimhir vótaí do bheirt daoine nó níos mó, cinnfear trí chrannchur cé acu de na daoine sin a bheidh ina Uachtarán nó ina Leas-Uachtarán, de réir mar a bheidh.
Imeachtaí ag Cruinnithe
10. Ní bheidh imeachtaí an Bhoird neamhbhailí mar gheall ar aon fholúntas nó folúntais i measc a chomhaltaí nó mar gheall ar aon éalang ar na ceapacháin chun an Bhoird nó ar cháilíochtaí aon chomhalta de.
11. Féadfaidh Uachtarán nó, má bhíonn sé as láthair, Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird, ar a thionscnamh féin nó, nuair a iarrfar air é sin a dhéanamh le foréileamh a bheidh sínithe ag deichniúr ar a laghad de chomhaltaí an Bhoird, ní foláir dó, cruinniú den Bhord a ghairm.
12. (1) Má dhiúltaíonn Uachtarán nó, má bhíonn sé as láthair, Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird cruinniú den Bhord a ghairm tar éis foréileamh chuige sin a bheidh sínithe ag deichniúr ar a laghad de chomhaltaí an Bhoird a thíolacadh dó, féadfaidh aon chúigear comhalta den Bhord cruinniú den Bhord a ghairm láithreach.
(2) Mura ndéanfaidh Uachtarán nó, má bhíonn sé as láthair, Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird, gan diúltú amhlaidh, cruinniú den Bhord a ghairm laistigh de sheacht lá tar éis foréileamh chuige sin a bheidh sínithe ag deichniúr ar a laghad de chomhaltaí an Bhoird a thíolacadh dó, féadfaidh aon chúigear comhalta den Bhord, ar na seacht lá sin a bheith caite, cruinniú den Bhord a ghairm.
13. Trí lá glan ar a laghad roimh gach cruinniú den Bhord, déanfar fógra a bheidh sínithe ag Uachtarán nó ag Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird, de réir mar a bheidh, nó, más comhaltaí den Bhord a ghairfidh an cruinniú, a bheidh sínithe ag na comhaltaí sin, agus a inseoidh tráth agus ionad an chruinnithe a sheoladh chuig gach comhalta den Bhord: más comhaltaí den Bhord a ghairfidh an cruinniú, sonróidh an fógra ag gairm an chruinnithe an gnó a dhéanfar ag an gcruinniú.
14. Ag cruinniú den Bhord—
(a) is é Uachtarán an Bhoird, má bhíonn sé i láthair, a bheidh ina chathaoirleach,
(b) mura mbeidh agus fad nach mbeidh Uachtarán an Bhoird i láthair nó má bhíonn oifig an Uachtaráin folamh, is é Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird, má bhíonn sé i láthair, a bheidh ina chathaoirleach,
(c) mura mbeidh agus fad nach mbeidh Uachtarán an Bhoird i láthair nó má bhíonn oifig an Uachtaráin folamh agus nach mbeidh Leas-Uachtarán an Bhoird i láthair nó má bhíonn oifig an Leas-Uachtarán folamh, toghfaidh na comhaltaí den Bhord a bheidh i láthair duine dá líon chun bheith ina chathaoirleach ar an gcruinniú sin.
15. Déanfar miontuairiscí ar imeachtaí cruinnithe uile an Bhoird a dhréachtú agus a thaifeadadh i leabhar a choimeádfar chuige sin agus síneoidh cathaoirleach an chéad chruinnithe eile na miontuairiscí sin.
16. Déanfar ainmneacha na gcomhaltaí go léir a bheidh i láthair ag cruinniú den Bhord a thaifeadadh sna miontuairiscí ar imeachtaí an chruinnithe.
17. Faoi réir Airteagal 7 agus 9 (4) den Sceideal seo, féadfar gach gníomh a dhéanfaidh an Bord a dhéanamh, agus féadfar gach ceist a thiocfaidh nó a éireoidh os comhair an Bhoird a chinneadh, ag tromlach na gcomhaltaí sin den Bhord a bheidh i láthair agus a vótálfaidh i ndáil leis an ngníomh nó leis an ábhar ag cruinniú den Bhord a gaireadh go cuí de réir dlí.
18. I gcás comhionannas vótaí ar aon cheist a éireoidh ag cruinniú den Bhord (seachas toghadh an Uachtaráin nó an Leas-Uachtaráin), beidh an dara vóta nó vóta réitigh ag cathaoirleach an chruinnithe sin.
19. Ach amháin mar a fhoráiltear a mhalairt le haon achtachán, lena n-áirítear an tAcht seo, féadfaidh an Bord buan-orduithe a dhéanamh chun a imeachtaí a rialáil agus na buan-orduithe sin a leasú nó a chúlghairm.