asked the Minister for Health if he will state the position with regard to the proposed pension scheme for nurses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nurses' Pension Scheme.
Mr. Byrne
I am sure the Deputy is aware that my functions relate to nurses employed by local authorities and that such nurses who hold permanent appointments are entitled to pensions under the Local Government Officers Superannuation code.
Some of the voluntary hospitals already have pension schemes for their nurses. I am aware that others have schemes under consideration, but the Deputy will appreciate that it is difficult to frame final schemes until the legislature has decided on the proposals contained in the White Paper on Social Security, which provide, inter alia, for retirement pensions for women at the age of sixty and involve contributions from the employee and the employer as well as the State.
Mr. Byrne
Will the Minister make inquiries as to the number of voluntary hospitals which are not contemplating a pension scheme and will he encourage them to come into line with others who are contemplating such a scheme?
I have the greatest sympathy with the Deputy's request and I fully appreciate the implication behind it. I cannot, however, use any compulsion in the matter beyond that encouragement which we both feel should be given to these people to bring in such schemes.