asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of a shortage of clinical and registered tutors in the Dublin hospitals; and what steps his Department intends to take to rectify the situation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Hospital Tutors.
13.
Assuming that the Deputy has nurse tutors in mind, the following is the position with regard to them:
Clinical Tutors. This is a relatively new grade and formal training is not yet available here. Some tutors who qualified as clinical tutors abroad are employed in Dublin hospitals. An Bord Altranais are at present considering the introduction of a formal course here to meet needs.
Registered Tutors. There is some shortage of such tutors due mainly to the decision by An Bord Altranais to increase from 1/80 to 1/40 th the ratio of registered tutors to trainee nurses and to some difficulties in attracting a sufficient number of suitable candidates to take the course. University College, Dublin and An Bord Altranais, with my encouragement, have been and are taking steps to secure a greater number of suitable candidates for the course.
In view of the fact that there is a shortage, would the Minister not think it might be advantageous to provide a greater incentive by paying the full fees and the educational expenses? The total educational expenses of any nurse who wants to go on to tutor level or gain a diploma are pretty heavy.
I have no doubt An Bord Altranais will give me a report as a result of their deliberations with University College, Dublin, and we will look at their recommendations as soon as we have the report.