asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the nursing staffs of Portrane and Grangegorman Mental Hospitals get only 3/- per day subsistence allowances when off duty; and, if so, whether he will consider reviewing the position and recommend an increase, as the allowance is only capable of purchasing one meal in Dublin City.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Nurses' Allowances.
Mr. Burke
The amount of the ration allowance of the nursing staff in Grangegorman and Portrane Mental Hospitals is as stated in the question. Up to the 1st January, 1948, the amount of this allowance was 2/6 per day and on the proposal of the local authority I agreed to its increase by 6d. per day as from the date mentioned. Its present value represents the approximate cost to the institution of the rations.
The question of increasing the allowance is one for consideration by the mental hospital authority in the first instance. I have received no such proposal from that authority.