asked the Minister for Health the number of health nurses employed in all dispensary areas throughout the State; and if such number is sufficient to cover all areas.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Nurses.
58.
At 31st December, 1965, which is the latest date for which the information is available, 171 public health nurses were employed by health authorities on district nursing duties. In addition, the authorities were in the process of filling a further 36 such posts which I had approved.
Nurses employed by voluntary nursing agencies also carry out district nursing duties on behalf of health authorities. At present 137 such nurses are employed.
I do not regard these numbers as sufficient to provide a satisfactory service throughout the country and, as I recently announced, arrangements are in train to increase the complement of nurses engaged in district nursing duties to 600, as soon as feasible. I also indicated that in order to provide nurses with specialised training to meet this proposed expansion, a series of training courses for recruits as public health nurse, the first of which is due to commence in October next, will be held by An Bord Altranais, at my request.
Do you think the new Minister for Health will implement all the promises you made over the past few years—those in respect of nurses, for instance?
Mr. O'Malley
I have every confidence that the programme as outlined will be carried out to the letter by my successor.
This does not arise.
Have you been promoted because the money is not there?
Mr. O'Malley
I am glad the Deputy gave me an opportunity of mentioning the financial aspect. I would remind him of the £2 million spent already.
A sum of £10 million is involved in the promises you have made.
Mr. O'Malley
You should not play politics with the health of the people.
It is the Taoiseach who is doing that. Your promises were good enough before the Presidential election but you will not be there now to implement them.