asked the Minister for Health if he has received the report of a working party which was appointed to examine and report on the psychiatric nursing services; if this report has been examined; if his Department has been in consultation with the unions concerned; and, if so, whether any proposals for detailed changes in regard to the future structure of the service have been made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Psychiatric Nursing Services.
3.
I have received the report of this working party and have asked interested parties, including staff organisations concerned, for their views on it. Most of the bodies consulted have now submitted their views and those are being studied at present. Pending completion of this examination, no proposals for detailed changes in regard to the future structure of the service have yet been made.
Could the Minister say when he expects to be in a position to make a further statement on this matter?
When certain organisations or representative bodies submit to me their observations on the report. They have been invited to make submissions and so far they have not done so. Now that the Deputy has raised this, it is my intention to ask them again if they have any comments. Possibly we will specify a time. If they do not do that, I will consider what I should do on the recommendations of the working party.
The problem is that, according to the rules of the House, unless the Minister indicates a time at which I can raise this matter again, I will be prohibited from so doing for six months. Could the Minister give me some help on the matter?
The Minister cannot give the Deputy any help on that matter. It is a matter for the Ceann Comhairle. Personally I am not reluctant to give the additional information to the Deputy if he puts down a question.