asked the Minister for Health if married nurses who have been working continuously in a temporary capacity as public health nurses since the removal of the marriage ban may be appointed to permanent posts.

Since the removal of the marriage bar, married public health nurses are eligible to compete for permanent posts provided that they possess certain qualifications and experience which have been specified. One of the qualifications specified is that a candidate must be under 45 years of age; provision is made, however, whereby a candidate who is a married public health nurse can deduct from her age any period of service as a public nurse since marriage.

I do not think the question I asked has been answered. I asked about public health nurses who were in continuous employment. What is the objection to appointing them? We know that a married woman can apply for a post when a post is declared vacant. If she is continuously in the post why can she not be appointed?

When these nurses got married they were ineligible to continue as public health nurses. I told the Deputy that any married woman who wants to be employed as a public health nurse must compete in the ordinary way. As I said, any service she had after her marriage would be taken into consideration and deducted and allowance would be made with regard to the 45 years of age qualification.

I have an example of a nurse who is in continuous temporary employment for 18 years. The marriage ban has gone since August. Why can she not be appointed?

She has to compete with other people who are also qualified public health nurses. Everybody must have a chance.

Would the Minister send a note to the CEOs or the various health authorities?

No. The jobs are advertised and the person or persons the Deputy may have in mind are eligible to compete.

Question No. 3.

Could we have them advertised?

The Chair has called the next question and expects to be obeyed.