asked the Minister for Health the number of State-enrolled nurses employed by health boards and other institutions.
7.
Ceistéanna—Questions Oral Answers - State-Enrolled Nurses.
6.
asked the Minister for Health whether he has received representations in respect of State-enrolled nurses; and if he proposes granting recognition to these nurses.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.
I have received such representations. "State-enrolled" nurses, I should explain to the House, are nurses who have completed a two-year training course, whereas "State-registered" nurses have a three-year course. In Britain, they have nurses of both grades. Here only "State-registered" nurses are recognised.
The education and training of nurses is primarily a matter for An Bord Altranais who have statutory functions in this field. The board have considered the recognition of "State-enrolled" nurses on a number of occasions but have not been in favour of this. The whole question of the education and training of nurses is at present being reviewed by the board, however, and the position of "State-enrolled" nurses will be considered again in this review.
The grade of "State-enrolled" nurse is not a recognised grade for appointment in the health services. I understand, however, that some persons who have acquired this qualification in Great Britain have been employed from time to time in some hospitals, mainly as ward attendants. I have no information on the numbers of these who have this qualification.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in some cases State-enrolled nurses are performing duties identical with those performed by State-registered nurses?
That may be so but An Bord Altranais have told the Department that there are sufficient State-registered nurses in this country in recent times to do the jobs.
If there are sufficient State-registered nurses, why is it necessary to have State-enrolled nurses performing their duties in certain hospitals?
If that is the position it should not happen because at the moment there are sufficient State-registered nurses here to do the jobs nurses should perform.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider the situation of State-enrolled nurses who return from Britain to work here? At the moment they have no status.
At the moment the matter is being reviewed by An Bord Altranais and the position of State-enrolled nurses will be considered in this review.