Witness Expenses
The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) will pay reasonable expenses that you have incurred to facilitate your attendance at an inquiry. Expenses may include the cost incurred for travel, refreshments, meals, payment of a childminder or locum.
You should always speak to your NMBI contact for advance approval prior to incurring any expenses.
Time off work
If you have a difficulty obtaining time off work, we can arrange for a witness summons to be issued. You can provide this to your employer. Employers are obliged to permit you with the time off work to attend the inquiry.
Loss of earnings
If you take the time as paid annual leave, we are unable to reimburse you. We can only reimburse unpaid leave. If you require a letter for your employer to approve unpaid leave, we can provide it.
Loss of earnings must be certified by your employer and state the gross and net loss of earnings being claimed.
Self-employed
If you are self-employed, you must provide evidence of the loss, for example a letter from your accountant.
Public transport/travel
Public transport is the preferred mode of transport. We will use discretion on alternative transport arrangements required.
We will reimburse economy-class train fares. Check train timetables and fares on the Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail website.
For buses, see Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus websites.
If public transport is unsuitable, you can use private transport. Mileage will be reimbursed at public sector rates, and parking and toll costs will be reimbursed with receipts.
If you have any difficulties in attending an in-person Inquiry due to lack of transport, please discuss other options that may be available to you with your NMBI point of contact.
Parking
There is no witness parking available at NMBI offices. Public parking is available nearby in Blackrock village.
Meals
For in person inquiries, a light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Any other claims for meals or subsistence will require itemised receipts.
Accommodation
Advanced approval is required for any overnight accommodation request as certain conditions apply. You may be required to source and pay for your own accommodation. Please contact your NMBI point of contact to discuss as unapproved accommodation expenses may be disregarded.
After the inquiry
All claims for reimbursement must be submitted within one month of attendance at the inquiry.
- Complete the witness expense form.
- Attach all receipts.
- Return the form with receipts to your NMBI point of contact.
Acknowledgement
You will receive an acknowledgement of your expenses claim form. Approved payments will be made directly to your bank account.
Costs not reimbursed by NMBI
NMBI will not pay your solicitor's fees.
Further information
You can find out more about what is involved in attending a fitness to practise inquiry on these pages: