asked the Minister for Health what steps he intends taking to modernise working conditions for nurses in public hospitals.
190.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nursing Conditions.
189.
asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure substantial improvements in all hospitals in the conditions of service for nurses.
Mr. O'Malley
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 189 and 190 together.
Earlier this month, when I spoke at the opening of a course for hospital nurses under the auspices of the Irish Nurses' Organisation, I made it clear that there were various matters relating to the nursing profession which I considered demanded a new approach. In pursuance of this view, I have asked my Department to consider urgently, in the light of modern trends, to what extent nursing conditions and nursing practices can be improved in the health services. At the moment, it is not possible for me to state the specific improvements I would hope to bring about.