andMr. T. Lynch asked the Minister for Health if he will set a time limit for the introduction of a 90 hour fortnight for all local authority and voluntary hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospitals Working Fortnight.
6.
I presume the question relates to nursing staffs in hospitals.
I am in complete agreement with the principle of a 90 hour fortnight for all such staffs but my functions in relation to this matter are secondary to those of the hospital authority concerned in every case, even in relation to local authority hospitals. Consequently, it would be inappropriate that I should attempt to impose a time limit as suggested.
In a number of cases in which health authorities have proposed to me the recruitment of additional staff in order to implement the suggested reduction in working hours, I have issued the necessary sanction. In other cases, the proposals of the health authority are under consideration in my Department and an appropriate sanction will issue as soon as possible. I am aware that other health authorities are in process of formulating proposals.
In relation to voluntary hospitals, I have caused a recommendation to be issued by the Hospitals Commission to the authorities of each such hospital that their nurses' working hours be reduced to 90 per fortnight as soon as circumstances permit.