University-based nursing faculty
A nursing faculty already operates at the Royal College of Surgeons, and a working party recommended considering a limited university degree course for registered nurses. Fitzpatrick pressed for a faculty at University College Galway; the Minister said the recommendation was under review pending responses from interested bodies, including An Bord Altranais, and would ask them to respond promptly.
(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the desirability of establishing a faculty of nursing in an appropriate third-level institution.
Comment on this
A faculty of nursing is already in existence in the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin. The faculty is concerned with post-registration training and development of nurses.
A working party which considered all aspects of general nursing have recommended the development of a university degree course for a limited number of registered nurses. This will be considered in my Department in conjunction with the other recommendations in the working party's report when the views of various interested bodies have been received. In the event of a university degree course being introduced I would expect it to lead to a university-based faculty of nursing.
Comment on this
(Cavan-Monaghan): Would the Minister not agree that there is a widespread demand for a university-based faculty of nursing, that there is a particular demand in University College, Galway, for such a faculty and there appears to be sufficient personnel there to cater for it? Would the Minister use his influence to promote such a faculty in University College, Galway?
Comment on this
The whole question will be considered in the context of all the recommendations of the working party which is at present under consideration. I will bear the Deputy's point in mind.
Comment on this
(Cavan-Monaghan): I am obliged to the Minister for that assurance. Could he say when a decision will be taken on the report?
Comment on this
The report was circulated last October to the various interested bodies. An Bord Altranais, the health boards, the voluntary hospitals, the staff associations, the HEA, relevant Government Departments and other bodies, for their views. The views have not been received as yet so I cannot give any definitive answer. I will ask them to hurry up with their views.
Comment on this
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that An Bord Altranais are very much in favour of a university-based nursing faculty?