Vol. 529 No. 1
716 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in relation to the funding of certain specialist nursing courses, he will outline the reason orthopaedics, neuro-science, ENT, ortho thalamic and palliative care were not included; if he will consider including these areas for funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2211/01]
I have made funding available for nursing courses in specified specialised areas of clinical practice in order to address the critical shortage of nurses in those areas.
Under the initiative a nurse or midwife undertaking certain specialist courses will receive full pay while doing so. He-she will also be entitled to have his-her fees paid in full. This is in return for a commitment on the part of the nurse or midwife to continue working within the public health service in the specialist area for one year, 12 months, following completion of the course.
These arrangements are effective from the current academic year and will apply to post-registration courses in the following areas of clinical practice: accident and emergency critical care, including ITU, CCU, cardiac and burns, peri-operative, including peri-anaesthesia, operating theatre and operating department.
I am not in a position to provide funding for specialist courses in the areas referred to by the Deputy.
