asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the limitations imposed on staff recruitment and on funding of the health boards are not liable to expose the patients of many geriatric homes and hospitals to grave risk should an outbreak of fire occur at night when the staff cover is now minimal in many cases.

Arrangements for staff cover in geriatric homes and hospitals are a matter for local management in each health board. There is no evidence in my Department to suggest that limitations on staff recruitment and on funding of the health boards have resulted in any reduction in night time cover in these institutions. Health boards are, of course, responsible for ensuring that fire precaution arrangements in hospitals and other health institutions are reviewed periodically and that all staff are aware of fire prevention measures and are familiar with proper fire drill and procedures, should it become necessary at any stage to evacuate patients.

Will the Minister accept that in view of the reduction in the allocations to health boards and the fact that he recommended to them that there should be a reduction in staff numbers similar to that taking place elsewhere in the public service — where only two out of every three vacancies may be filled — inevitably this will lead to a reduction in the number of staff on duty at night? Is there any set ratio of the number of staff to patients in geriatric hospitals? Is the ratio adhered to in all hospitals?

We are dealing with the question of fire risk. I do not have any reports to the effect that staffing ratios impinge in any way on the fire regulations. If I had I would take immediate action. I have invested some money in improving the position in regard to fire precautions. More than £600,000 was spent on fire precaution works in 1984 in all institutions. Undoubtedly, there is room for further improvement but I have not received any specific complaints. If Deputy Leonard, who tabled the question, or any Deputy, has any complaints about specific geriatric institutions he should bring them to my notice and I will have them examined and considered by the health boards concerned.

Surely it is relevant to the question to ask the staff-patient ratio because in the event of a fire the risk is related to the ratio of staff to patients.

As the Deputy is aware that ratio varies from institution to institution. It depends on the age of the institution, the structures and ward sizes and they vary considerably from area to area. I do not have a specific ratio but where health boards feel that the ratio is not adequate they are not slow in coming forward and making that point to the Department. The Department are not slow in responding and discussing such matters with the health boards.