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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 21 Nov 1968

Vol. 237 No. 6

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - State Register of Nurses.

88.

asked the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to the establishment of a register for State enrolled nurses; and if, in view of the growing shortage of nurses, he is likely to promote the setting up of such a register.

I understand that this matter is at present under consideration by An Bord Altranais.

89.

asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the growing serious deficiency in the number of full-time nurses and nursing sisters available for employment by the Dublin Health Authority and other hospital authorities; and that as a consequence it will be difficult to maintain the full services of hospitals during the coming winter when demands for hospitalisation will be greatest; if he will favour the establishment of a register for State enrolled nurses and a scheme for the training of such nurses; what other steps will be taken to encourage married nurses to return to nursing and to encourage the employment of part-time nurses; and if he will make a statement in the matter.

I am aware that Dublin Health Authority have had difficulty in attracting their full complement of whole-time nursing staff, and that they avail themselves of the services of married nurses, part-time nurses and other auxilliary staff to supply the deficiency.

I have already dealt with the question of the establishment of a Register of State Enrolled Nurses in rely to Question No. 88 put down by Deputy Clinton.

It is, of course, a function of the health authority concerned to recruit staff for their own institutions, and the recruitment position in most areas outside Dublin is reasonably satisfactory. I have supported the efforts of Dublin Health Authority to meet their particular staffing difficulty by readily agreeing to their proposals to employ married nurses, part-time nurses and auxiliary staff and I shall continue to do so. I am prepared to consider any other steps which Dublin Health Authority may put forward in this matter.

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