asked the Minister for Health if it is possible to implement the full terms of the directive concerning free movement of nurses, and if the training requirements for this directive are being met in full in this country.

It is possible to implement the full terms of the directives of the Council of the European Communities concerning free movement of general nurses. Draft regulations have been prepared giving effect to the directives which come into operation on 28 June 1979. The nursing authorities in this country will be obliged to comply with the training requirements as set out in the directives in respect of all students who commence training after that date.

Will any significant change be required in existing training arrangements as a result of compliance with the terms of the directive?

Not really. The second directive specifies minimum training.

Did the Minister mention a second directive?

There are two directives but they are contemporaneous.

Neither will require any major change?

No. One of them deals with the movement of nurses and the other deals with minimum qualifications.

Neither will require any major change in existing arrangements?

Does the Minister know whether there is a nursing shortage on the Continent or whether there will be an inflow of nurses from the Continent into Ireland?

No. What is a bit more relevant is that we will probably have to have more——

Job opportunities abroad for our nurses.

We will probably have to have more nurses—bigger nursing complements in our hospitals as a result of the directive.

I do not understand that. Could the Minister elaborate? Why would we have to have a bigger nursing complement?

Because of the standards laid down. It is very likely that we will have to have increased staffs in our own institutions. The point I am making is that there will be no question of our nurses seeking employment abroad.