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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Jun 1966

Vol. 223 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Travelling Allowances of Nurses.

36.

asked the Minister for Health if, having regard to the increased cost of public and private transport, early steps will be taken to increase travelling allowances paid to nurses.

Mr. O'Malley

I assume that the Deputy's question relates to public health nurses.

I have recently authorised health authorities to pay mileage rates to such nurses working in rural areas, instead of paying fixed allowances, as had previously been the practice. I have also authorised an increase in the fixed travelling allowances of nurses in mainly urban areas, the upper limit being raised from £50 to £100 a year.

In the Dublin area the health authority issues vouchers for bus tickets to the majority of its public health nurses for travelling on nursing duties. A few nurses in Dublin have opted for fixed allowances in lieu of this arrangement. No doubt these allowances will be reviewed by the Dublin Health Authority in view of the recent increase in bus fares.

And petrol prices.

Mr. O'Malley

I said all this last week.

It does not do any harm to repeat it.

The Minister did not say it at all.

Mr. O'Malley

The purpose of a Parliamentary Question is to elicit information.

If the Minister had said all this, he would refer me to the statement. Of course, he did not.

Mr. O'Malley

I was being kind to the Deputy on his first week on the front Opposition bench.

I can assure the Minister that I shall reciprocate his kindness when we swop positions in the very near future.

Mr. O'Malley

Almighty God and the Irish public will decide that.

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