andMrs. Burke asked the Minister for Health if steps will be taken to establish a college of nursing.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - College of Nursing.
7.
This matter has been under consideration by Bord Altranais which is the statutory body dealing with nurse training and registration. I am aware that the board have had consultations with bodies representative of nurses and other interests but I understand that finality has not yet been reached.
The Deputies will be aware that the Taoiseach stated recently that a college of nursing was essential in this country. It is to be hoped that this expression of the Government attitude will provide the necessary encouragement to the parties concerned.
Can the Minister state if the college of nursing will be set up in the near future?
The kind of nursing college and the circumstances in which it could be set up must be examined by An Bord Altranais. There are a number of organisations involved in this matter, all of whom must make up their minds on the project before I could consider the matter. There are no less than six organisations involved in deciding the principles upon which a college of nursing could be set up. An Bord Altranais are responsible for nurse-training and they must decide on the kind of nursing college that will be set up.