Vol. 430 No. 2
281 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he intends to undertake a review of the Nurses Act, 1985, as was announced by his predecessor during the debate on the health estimates in 1992; the present position in regard to this review; if, arising from it he expects that legislation will be necessary; and, if so, when this legislation is likely to be introduced.
The review of the Nurses Act, 1985 initiated by my predecessor is now well advanced. Relevant agencies and representative bodies were asked to submit their views and a total of 36 such submissions have been received. The various, and in some instances differing, views received cover most of the provisions in the Act. These are now being considered by my Department and I hope to be shortly in a position to give consideration to what, if any, legislative changes may be required.
I should add that the review of nurses training and education being carried out by An Bord Altranais is nearing finality and I shall of course await presentation of this report before reaching definitive decisions on the education and training aspects of the Act.
