asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that owing to financial considerations it may be necessary for the Queen's Institute of District Nursing in Ireland and their training centre to close next year; and if he will consider an increase in the State contribution to enable the excellent service provided by the jubilee nurses to be maintained.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jubilee Nurses.
41.
The Queen's Institute of District Nursing in Ireland at an extraordinary meeting of 3rd October, 1967, passed resolutions that, in view of the failure to obtain trainees, the Institute would cease to provide district nursing courses. The local district nursing associations will, however, I am assured, continue to provide services with their existing nurses.
I am not aware that these decisions were due to financial considerations. Shortly before the meeting referred to, I had intimated to the Institute, in writing, that I was prepared to consider financial assistance to district nursing associations from public funds if that were necessary over and above the substantial subventions which they already receive from this source, and that I would do all in my power to help the Institute resolve their problems. I had also suggested alternative training arrangements for the nurses which, in my view, would have proved fully satisfactory if adopted.
I very much regret the Institute's decision, which will eventually mean the end of the excellent service which has been provided for so long by the Institute's nurses.
Is there nothing the Minister can do to stop this service ending?
I am afraid not.
Does the Minister realised that it could, in the final analysis, cost the State more to set up a new service? In the light of these facts, would the Minister take a further look at the whole matter?
I wish I could.
The Minister's attitude seems to be entirely reasonable. That being so, why do those people not carry on the service, in the light of what the Minister has said? Is there any reason? Has he met them?
Yes, indeed, several times.
Are they being vexatious?
They take the view they will not be able to carry on. I must say I do not share that view.
Maybe the Minister would speak to them again, give them more encouragement.
Is the trouble not financial?
I am prepared to given them any guarantee that is necessary to keep them going.
Therefore, they would be well advised to come and have another chat with the Minister.
Yes.
And they would be welcome?
Most welcome.