336 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received complaints or representations from nursing organisations regarding the attitude being adopted by immigrants and refugees in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8059/02]

No complaints or representations of the type referred to have been made to my Department by nursing organisations.

I would like to take this opportunity to outline to the Deputy a range of important initiatives relevant to this area. The Health Service Employers Agency is undertaking a project to examine all of the issues involved in managing cultural diversity in the workplace for all health service staff. SIPTU is working to encourage multiculturalism and integration of non-nationals in all sectors, including nursing and midwifery. The Irish Nurses Organisation has produced guidelines for nurses and midwives on dealing with people of different cultures and religions to highlight the needs of persons who differ from the majority, both culturally and religiously.