asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that for a number of years it was customary for the authorities of Heatherside Sanatorium, Doneraile, County Cork, to make transport available for the use of nurses travelling to the railway station; that, for this purpose, a vehicle belonging to the institution was used, and that it was the only means of transport available to these girls when they required to travel from the sanatorium to the railway station, a distance of six miles; whether the practice has been discontinued recently; if so, on whose authority and on what grounds; whether, having regard to the remote situation of the institution, and the consequent need of enabling nurses to obtain means of transport when undertaking train journeys, he will state what steps are being taken to provide alternative transport facilities for them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Transport Facilities for Nurses (Cork).
I have no information on this matter. The question of defraying the cost of or providing facilities for travelling to the railway station in the special circumstances of this institution is a matter for the manager in the first instance. I should add that, in my opinion, ambulances should be used only as ambulances, i.e., for conveying patients who are otherwise unable to travel and such nurses or escort as are required to accompany them.
Would the Minister state if he is aware that, on any occasion when the ambulance had to travel between Heatherside Sanatorium and Doneraile Road railway station, it always brought back patients to the institution?
As I have already informed the Deputy, I have no information whatever on this matter.
Is the Minister aware that maids and nurses employed in that institution find it very difficult to get to Doneraile Road and as a result the committee of management concerned find it extremely difficult to get anyone to apply for these positions?
That may be, but if transport is to be provided for these nurses, so far as I am concerned it should not be provided by way of the ambulances.