asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the complaints made on 11th June by the President of the Irish Nurses' Organisation as to the pay and conditions of nurses, and, in particular, of those who teach student nurses in this country; and whether he will take steps to improve their pay and conditions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Pay and Conditions of Nurses.
13.
I have seen the press reports of the presidential address at the annual general meeting of the Irish Nurses' Organisation and I am aware of the desire of the profession for an improvement in the pay and conditions of nurses generally. The Deputy, however, will hardly expect me to take the initiative in seeking to increase the salaries of nursing staffs over the heads of the authorities which employ them.
In regard to the living conditions of nurses, I think the Organisation accepts that much has already been achieved. Where conditions are still below reasonable standards, lack of funds is a factor inhibiting an immediate solution in every instance, but progress is being made and efforts to maintain and accelerate that progress will be continued.