Batt O'Keeffe
Question:9 Mr. B. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he intends to designate hospitals in the Southern Health Board area for the Diploma in Nursing studies; and if funding is to be made available in 1996. [18903/95]
Written Answers. - Nursing Course.
Limerick East): It is my intention that the diploma programme in nurse education and training which commenced in Galway in October, 1994 will be extended to all schools of nursing and other disciplines as resources permit. To this end three new general hospital and one psychiatry site commenced the new programme in 1995.
My Department has received numerous submissions and approaches from nursing schools and third-level colleges, including schools of nursing in the Southern Health Board area and University College, Cork, who wish to commence the diploma programme as soon as possible. The Deputy will appreciate that the rate of progress actually achieved depends on the availability of development funding for this purpose as determined in the Health Estimate each year.
In relation to 1996, preparations are now well under way at the sites due for start-up next October. My Department has arranged to meet a group representing the Cork nursing schools later this month, at which the whole question of future start-up dates and other issues will be discussed.