asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if his attention has been drawn to a statement made at a recent meeting of the nurses' organisation to the effect that a nurse in a certain public hospital in Kerry had completed 23 years of night nursing without change of duty, at a salary of £60 per annum; and if he will inquire if similar conditions prevail in other public hospitals under his control, and take steps to remedy such conditions where they exist.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nurses' Salaries.
The reply to the first part of the question is in the negative. I am, however, aware that in Cahirciveen hospital a nurse was continuously employed on night duty. When this case was brought to the notice of the Department, in October, 1934, representations were made to the board of health, and steps subsequently taken by the Department to secure the appointment of an additional nurse. Under present arrangements, none of the nurses will be required to do continuous night duty. I am aware that similar conditions exist in certain public hospitals, and have been making efforts to induce the local authorities concerned to alter this system which I regard as quite improper.