asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to set up a central agency to which young people wishing to enter the nursing profession can apply and thus obviate their having to apply to a number of hospitals.

I informed the House on 11th May, 1976 that I had asked the working party on General Nursing to consider the question of a national or regional processing scheme for nurse training applications. Since then I understand the working party have established a project team to examine the feasibility of such an arrangement and I look forward to getting the working party's views and recommendations on this issue as early as possible.

I shall table another question in this regard in about two months' time.

8.

asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the high degree of unemployment in the nursing profession; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware that some qualified nurses are at present finding it difficult to secure employment. To the extent that this problem exists, I am sure that last week's budget proposals will alleviate the situation.

As the Deputy will be aware, an additional £10 million was allocated for a non-capital developments in the health services, with the stress on job creation. While I cannot, pending discussions with the health boards and other agencies, put a figure on the new posts for nurses, the Deputy may take it that it will be substantial, particularly in relation to the opening of the several new units which are completed or which will be completed this year.