asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a statement attributed to the Irish Nurses' Organisation that a crisis situation still exists in the hospital nursing profession; and, if so, if he will state the steps he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Nurses.
12.
I have seen reports in the Press of a statement attributed to the Tutors' Section of the Irish Nurses' Organisation at a recent annual meeting.
The statement refers, principally, to a fall in numbers of teaching personnel and difficulty in filling vacant posts. I have for some time recognised the need to provide an adequate and attractive grading structure for nurse tutors and recently with the agreement of the Irish Nurses' Organisation, I approved the introduction of a grading structure for nurse tutors in the training schools for general nursing and midwifery.
This grading structure is an interim measure. I propose in due course to refer the matter for consideration to the working party on nursing which I am in process of setting up at present.
Is the Minister satisfied, first, that the agreement reached between his Department and the Public Health nurses in rural areas is being implemented fully and, secondly, that the nurses are satisfied with the agreement?
That is a separate question. The question tabled deals with tutors in hospitals.
That may be so but the agreement is part of the grievance of the nursing profession, especially in rural areas. The five-day week which was agreed on is not working to their satisfaction.
I admit there is dissatisfaction but, as I said, I will refer the matter to the committee on nursing generally which I am in the process of establishing.
Regarding the appointments system, is the Minister satisfied that this is the best we can get?
I have no information on that here.
Can the Minister give us any information regarding the committee to which he referred, for instance, at what stage is the setting up process and what is to be its composition?
There has been some difficulty regarding the appointment of a chairman. Perhaps the Deputy would like the job.
He does not want that job.
Why not?
During the past few days a person declined the position of chairman because of his being too busy to undertake the duty. However, I am having drawn up a panel of names and hope, from that, to get a chairman who will be acceptable to the committee.