asked the Minister for Health if he will sanction an increase in the number of students to the nurse training school in Sligo General Hospital in view of the very large number of applications.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Sligo Nurse Training School.
21.
Approval to an increase in the number of trainees at this school is a matter in the first place for An Bord Altranais. I understand that the authorities of the school have not sought the approval of An Bord Altranais for an increase.
Will the Minister state if his approval for an increase was sought?
No. An Bord Altranais make the recommendation.
Has the Minister to approve it?
Yes, in the final stage. As I have pointed out, I have had no application from the health board, nor is there a recommendation by An Bord Altranais.
A resolution was passed by the North Western Health Board at the June meeting requesting the Minister's sanction for an increase in the intake of students.
I cannot give sanction until I get a recommendation from An Bord Altranais.
Is the Minister denying he received such a request? It is ridiculous.
I am not denying it. An Bord Altranais approved the proposal of the North Western Health Board for 13 places for trainees in the nursing school attached to the county hospital in Sligo.
The health board have requested that this number be increased to 26.
An Bord Altranais are the people who decide in the first instance.
If An Bord Altranais so agree, would the Minister sanction such an increase?
I must wait until I get such a recommendation.
That means the Minister will turn it down.
He is the Minister-in-waiting.
He will not be waiting as long as the Deputy.
I have made it abundantly clear that the recommendation must come from An Bord Altranais.
Does the Minister agree that 13 places are sufficient where there were applications from 800 girls?
I do not know. I will be guided in the matter by An Bord Altranais.
Will the Minister accept their recommendation?
I will consider it.
I have called Question No. 22.