asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state what regulations apply to the fixing of salaries and conditions of employment for nurses in public institutions and hospitals; and if he is prepared to direct that a scale of salaries more in accord with the services rendered by the nursing profession be instituted without delay; further, whether he will state whether it is his intention to take powers to secure that proper salary scales and conditions of employment are provided in private nursing establishments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Employment of Nurses in Public Institutions.
The fixing of salary-scales of nurses in district institutions is a matter for the local authority in the first instance. Where scales of remuneration are below the average of the remuneration applicable in similar institutions, any proposals for their improvement are sympathetically considered. I have no intention, however, of taking the course suggested by the Deputy, which would involve the exercise of very arbitrary powers by the Minister and a complete disregard of the views of the local bodies concerned.
In reply to the last part of the question, the conditions of employment in private nursing establishments do not come within the functions of my Department; I am not satisfied that such powers if taken could be used effectively.
The Minister indicates, by his answer, that this is a matter for the local authority in the first instance, but surely he is aware that the County Management Act precludes the local authority from taking action in this matter?
The local authorities act through the county managers, and I am sure that they will take the appropriate action.