asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses at present employed in the district nursing service; and when he expects that the target set out in the White Paper on the Health Services will be reached.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - District Nursing Service.
83.
The latest date for which figures are readily available is 31st August last. At that time, the number of posts of public health nurse approved for district nursing duties was 409. In addition, 89 nurses, employed by voluntary agencies, provided district nursing services and a further 79 nurses in the Dublin area provided a limited range of district nursing for children eligible for the child welfare and school health services.
At the present rate of recruitment and allowing for vacancies arising due to resignation, retirements, etc., I expect that the target set out in the white paper on the health services and their further development will be reached at the end of 1970. This is in accordance with the time-schedule postulated when the White Paper was drawn up.
It must be the only thing on schedule.