asked the Minister for Health if he has received any representations regarding the financial position of the Jubilee Nurses Organisation; and if he proposes to take any steps to see that the valuable services of the Organisation are not lost to the sick poor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jubilee Nurses Organisation.
8.
I have not received any recent representations regarding the financial position of the Jubilee Nurses Organisation.
I understand, however, that the Council of the Organisation propose to consider, in the near future, the financial implications of a proposed increase in the remuneration of "Jubilee" Nurses.
Should I receive any representations regarding the financial position of the Organisation I will consider them as sympathetically as possible and take such steps as are open to me to ensure that the services of the Organisation will continue to be a valuable segment of the outdoor nursing service.
I may point out that it has been the policy of successive Ministers for Health to encourage voluntary effort in the sphere of district nursing.
Is the Minister aware that the Jubilee Nurses Organisation have been compelled for financial reasons to withdraw completely the services of their nurses from the north side of Dublin city? Having regard to the fact that such service has not been substituted by Dublin Corporation or the health authority, would the Minister give urgent consideration to the provision of an adequate nursing service for the sick poor on the north side of Dublin city?
I have no information to the effect of the Deputy's supplementary. I am perfectly certain that if what he suggests did happen, the organisation would have been in touch with me.
What I have stated is, in fact, the case.