Vol. 561 No. 1
357 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will consider reviewing circulars 50/2000 and 47/2001 with regard to funding for the diploma in gerontological nursing and allow staff working in private nursing homes an allowance towards the cost of fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3380/03]
As part of my overall nursing and midwifery recruitment and retention strategy, I introduced an initiative to encourage more nurses into specialised areas of clinical practice. Nurses working in the public health service undertaking specific specialist courses, including the higher diploma in gerontological nursing, now receive full pay while doing so and have their course fees paid. The person being sponsored is required to give a commitment to continue working in the public health service in the specialised area for 12 months following completion of the course.
Issues relating to the continuing education of nursing staff employed in the private health service are outside the ambit of my Department. It would be a matter for private health service employers to introduce their own recruitment and retention initiatives.
