Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I thank all the Deputies who have contributed to the debate. I am very impressed with the great level of interest shown in the private sector from the Deputies opposite because I am usually attacked here. In fact, there is a contradiction between the emphasis on commercialisation and private interests.

To clarify an issue raised by Deputy Twomey, there is no question of a nurse being able to prescribe in a spa. Nurses will be able to prescribe only in particular health care settings, for example, a palliative care nurse in a palliative care setting and so on. There is no question of a nurse being able to prescribe in a spa, hotel or anything of that kind.

The Deputy asked about the current position regarding the legislation that has been presented to Brussels. It had to go to Brussels and is due to be cleared at the end of three months, which is up in two weeks' time. In conjunction with that, An Bord Altranais is arranging specific training for nurses. The intention is that it will take effect later this year.

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