Vol. 445 No. 7
105 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health whether sufficient nursing staff are available in all hospitals throughout the country to ensure that nurses can carry out their work with maximum efficiency and without endangering their own health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1004/94]
The management of hospitals in the public health service including the question of the employment of nursing staff in the context of the obligations placed on employers by the Health, Safety and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 to ensure employers' safety and health is a matter for the employing health agency concerned to address from within each agency's financial allocation.
The Act specifically places a general duty on employers to protect the safety, health and welfare of the people who work for them. They are also obliged to provide information and training for employees to ensure their safety and health. While it is a matter for each health agency to address health and safety issues within the context of their approved allocation, my Department is making an additional £1 million available in the current year to assist agencies in complying with their responsibilities under the legislation.
