asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that nurses duly qualified to attend UCD for the nurse-tutor diploma must pay half their university fees and also pay for their text-books and examination fees; and if he will instruct the Hospitals Commission to meet these costs.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nurse-Tutor Diploma Fees.
6.
Permanent nurses employed by health boards or voluntary hospitals who attend the nurse-tutor diploma course at UCD may be granted special leave with full pay for the duration of the course, which covers two academic years, subject to an undertaking from the nurses concerned that they will serve in an Irish hospital for at least two years on completion of the course. The employing authority may also pay half the course fee and advance the remaining half, to be repaid by monthly instalments. Travelling or other expenses such as books or examination fees are borne by the nurses.
I am satisfied that these nurses are generously treated in being assisted to acquire a qualification for promotion.
The Hospitals Commission have been informed of these concessions.
Would the Minister not think that it would be advantageous to the nurses who are doing the diploma course if their full fees were paid and their books paid for also?
Under present circumstances the arrangement is satisfactory. The fee is £92 per year. The nurses concerned are being paid £1,140 to £1,480 and the ward sisters are being paid £1,480 to £1,750.
Is the Minister aware that it is difficult to get nurses to go on this course and at the moment it is not possible to get tutor sisters in sufficient numbers in the country? I assume that what Deputy Byrne is looking for is a further incentive to encourage nurses to go on the course.
I understand that an examination is being made of the numbers coming forward.