asked the Minister for Defence if, having regard to the discontent in the Army Nursing Service at the long hours of duty, lack of promotion opportunities and other shortcomings as expressed in a recent publication (name supplied), he will have steps taken to improve the conditions of service.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Nursing Service.
36.
While I do not accept the implication as to discontent in the Army Nursing Service contained in the first part of the question, certain proposals concerning pay and conditions of service are being examined at present. I hope to be in a position shortly to announce my decisions on these matters.
Would the Minister say when the proposals now under consideration were made and by whom they were made?
Proposals for increased pay and improved conditions are continually under review in the Department of Defence. These matters are raised in the normal way with the Secretariat of the Department.
Does the Minister appreciate that the conditions which these nurses have to undergo are conditions which were rejected by the general nursing service a decade ago? Can he give some indication if and when there will be some improvement?
There are attractive conditions in this service also. The Deputy is making statements now which might not bear full examination.
Certainly they would.