asked the Minister for Health if he has received submissions from the Southern Health Board dealing with (a) the shortage of public health nurses employed in the area and (b) the prescribing and dispensing of drugs; if he will outline his response to these submissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Southern Health Board Personnel/Drugs.
21.
No such submission in relation to public health nurse staffing has been received. However, as part of the normal employment control system the board, in the current year, have sought and received sanction to make nine permanent public health nurse appointments. There are no further requests awaiting clearance in my Department but I understand that further posts will shortly be requested. Any such proposals will receive sympathetic consideration.
So far as the Deputy's reference to prescribing and dispensing of drugs is concerned I have had a major review of the prescribing issue conducted as part of the general medical service negotiations and I will be introducing a formularly shortly.