Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 2

Written Answers. - Army Nursing Service Recruitment.

Paul McGrath

Question:

149 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the plans, if any, he has to recruit the army nursing service; his views on whether the current arrangements whereby staffing shortages in St. Bricin's Hospital, Dublin are being compensated by transferring staff from Cork and the Curragh are satisfactory and fair to the staff concerned, particularly in view of their family circumstances; and the arrangements, if any, that exist for payment of subsistence to nursing staff who are on temporary transfer. [7939/96]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Barrett)

There are no plans at present to recruit nurses to the Army nursing service. However, the staffing situation is kept under review.

In accordance with defence force regulations the Director of the Army Medical Corps may order members of the army nursing service to be transferred from time to time meet nursing requirements. There is no provision for payment of subsistence if members are so transferred from one hospital to another. The staff involved are provided with meals and accommodation.

I have asked that the situation regarding the payment of subsistence be reviewed.