asked the Minister for Health (i) whether he is aware that nurses trained in Ireland are still emigrating to the United Kingdom where conditions of employment are much more attractive; (ii) if he will state what steps he has taken during the last six months to bring about improvements in the conditions of nurses remaining in Ireland, and (iii) if he will now consider taking further and more effective measures to stop the drain of Irish nurses to the United Kingdom.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions of Employment for Nurses.
I am aware that a certain number of nurses trained in this country are emigrating to Great Britain but there is also evidence that during the past year Irish nurses have been returning from Great Britain in greater numbers than in previous years. I do not accept the contention that, everything considered, conditions of employment in Great Britain are better than at home.
My functions as Minister for Health relate to nurses in the employment of local authorities. The conditions of employment of such nurses is primarily a matter for the local authority concerned, but I have repeatedly urged these authorities to improve conditions by reducing working hours and by providing improved living accommodation, where such accommodation is provided, and facilities for recreation, and by relaxing irksome regulations where they exist. The amenities provided in all new hospitals and sanatoria compare favourably with those in existence elsewhere and similar amenities have been, or are being provided, as far as possible in existing hospitals.
In regard to the last part of the question, I take it that the Deputy is not advocating that I should recommend to the Government that they should take steps to prevent any nurse who desires to leave the country from doing so. I do not consider that further measures to call nurses back to this country are necessary.