asked the Minister for Health the number of qualified nurses in (a) health authority hospitals and (b) voluntary hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Qualified Hospital Nurses.
64.
The number of qualified staff nurses, excluding supervisory and administrative grades, employed in health authority hospitals other than psychiatric hospitals is 3,036. In health authority psychiatric hospitals, the nursing strength, excluding supervisory and administrative grades, is 3,100 approximately. This figure includes student nurses, the number of whom varies from time to time. I am unable to state the number of them currently employed.
The number of qualified staff nurses in voluntary hospitals participating in the hospitals deficits scheme is 1,000 approximately. I have no information as to numbers in the relatively small number of voluntary general hospitals not so participating or in the voluntary psychiatric hospitals.
No. 9 —Estimates, 1967-68.
Before we go on, would I be in order in giving notice at this stage that I wish to raise on the Adjournment a matter arising out of a question?
Not for today.
I did not know that the four hour rule applied.
Notice must be given before 3.30 o'clock.
How can one possibly do that?
That is the difficulty. If the Deputy wishes to raise it next week, he will have to give notice again.
I understand that. I wanted to know what the position was today.