Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 7 Dec 2000

Vol. 527 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospital Staff.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

167 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he proposes an integrated plan to ensure the availability of adequate medical and nursing staff in all hospitals with particular reference to areas of speciality; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29142/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Now that the medical manpower forum has completed its report I will be in a position to take a multi-disciplinary view of the requirements of the hospital workforce.

This report, together with the report of the Commission on Nursing, the interim report on the nursing and midwifery resource and the expert group on the professionals allied to medicine – therapy grades – provides a comprehensive picture of what is required to provide for a patient centres integrated hospital service.

I have already ensured that the number of training places for nurses remains at a very high level – at 1,500 per year – and I have put in place additional training places for professionals allied to medicine.

I hope to make further significant investment in post-graduate training for doctors to ensure that Irish doctors receive the major part of their training here at home.

I have also agreed funding for the implementation of the report of the expert group for professionals allied to medicine to ensure career enhancement and high quality training and education for this very vital group.