asked the Minister for Health whether he has received a recommendation to increase the remuneration of staff sisters in charge of wards at Saint Finbarr's Hospital, Cork, and, if so, when it was received, and whether a decision has yet been issued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Hospital—Staff Sister's Remuneration.
A proposal was received in November, 1952, from the South Cork Board of Public Assistance for the payment of temporary non-pensionable allowance of £50 a year to nurses performing the duties of theatre sisters and an allowance of £30 a year to nurses carrying out the duties of ward sisters in St. Finbarr's Hospital. My Department informed the local authority that the proposed arrangement was not suitable for a hospital such as St. Finbarr's and a recommendation was made to the local authority that a grade of ward sister should be established. Subsequently, a revised proposal was put forward by the local authority in January, 1954, that an allowance of £50 a year should be paid to each staff nurse in St. Finbarr's Hospital who is in charge of a ward.
This proposal is open to certain objections and I have had discussions with representatives of the board of assistance regarding it. I hope to be in a position to arrive at a decision shortly.