asked the Minister for Health if he will state what steps he has taken towards the implementation of the Health Act, 1947, in respect of (a) the mother and child medical and health service; (b) the appointment of dispensary nurses, and (c) the provision of education in hygiene.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Implementation of Health Act, 1947.
As explained to the Deputy in reply to a somewhat similar question on the 5th August, 1948, the Consultative Child Health Council was established by me for the purpose of giving advice on the measures which might appear to be likely to prove most effective for the improvement of the health of children generally and the reduction of infant mortality. The council has furnished several reports outlining the measures which they consider should be taken to improve the child health services in both urban and rural areas. On the basis of these recommendations draft proposals for mother and child health service schemes have been prepared in my Department. The many complexities involved in the formulation of the schemes have necessitated long and careful consideration both by the council and by the Department but it is hoped at a very early date to publish particulars of the draft proposals and to initiate consultations with the interested bodies.
It is presumed that the reference to dispensary nurses is intended to mean public health nurses. The appointment of such nurses does not derive from the provisions of the Health Act, 1947, but it is evident that the development of services such as the mother and child service provided for under that Act will necessitate the employment of additional public health nurses. Local authorities have already been requested to consider the appointment of additional public health nurses. The long term problem of the improved training and recruitment of such nurses has also been engaging my attention and it is hoped that legislation at present before the Oireachtas will, in due course, go far to solve it.
Following the establishment of a publicity section in my Department, many measures for the provision of health education have been sponsored. These include the showing of films on health subjects in schools and commercial cinemas, radio talks and features, Press advertisements and pamphlets. Further publications are under consideration. In this connection, I would point out that, as part of the mother and child health service schemes, it is intended to lay particular emphasis on health education for school-children and for mothers in relation to the care of infants.