asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the deficiency of nursing staff in St. Kevin's Hospital, Dublin; and if he will take steps to rectify this undesirable situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Hospital Nursing Staff.
5.
An adequate nursing establishment has been approved by my Department for St. Kevin's Hospital. The recruitment of nursing staff, within the approved strength, is a matter for the health authority.
From inquiries which I have made, however, I understand that there is some difficulty in securing an adequate number of substitutes for nurses during the current annual leave season. My Department are in touch with the health authority about the matter.
Is it not a fact that the remuneration and conditions of the nurses in this service are the trouble in getting fresh recruits?
Not at all.
Has the Minister received any communication whatsoever from the Nursing Association stating that the conditions are not satisfactory?
I have received no communication in relation to this hospital, so far as I know, from the Irish Nurses Organisation.