Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 Jan 2001

Vol. 529 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nurses' Fees.

Billy Timmins

Question:

733 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the announcement of his new initiative on 29 November 2000 concerning the abolition of fees for back-to-nursing course, he will state the position with regard to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow who started a five week return to nursing practice course in St. James's Hospital on 23 October 2000 at a cost of approximately £1,000; if she will be reimbursed for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2362/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The return to nursing practice course in St. James's Hospital which commenced on 23 October 2000 was completed on 24 November 2000. Under the initiative I announced on 29 November 2000 nurses and midwives undertaking such courses from that date are entitled to have their fees paid in full and will be paid a salary in return for a commitment to rejoin the public health service following completion of the course.

I am not in a position to provide funding on a retrospective basis to cover the fees and salaries of nurses and midwives who had already undertaken such courses prior to 29 November 2000.