That is a matter for the chairman but the Deputy can take it that it will be as soon as he has had an opportunity to listen to the submissions made. I am sure his decision is imminent.
I wish to give some background information for the benefit of the House. On 21 April last, the HSEA advised the chief executive officer of each health service agency that special arrangements needed to be put in place for the millennium period. Following that, each agency notified its staff. Meetings aimed at resolving this issue commenced on 5 July when the alliance of health service unions first met management in relation to both staffing requirements and pay. At a subsequent meeting on 28 July, management agreed to present the unions with service plans locally. On 28 September, the management group committed to finalising the service plans and to process annual leave applications. The alliance of health service unions officially notified the HSEA of their claim on 7 October. The unions involved were notified of the public holiday arrangements on 29 October. Both parties then met the Labour Relations Commission on 2 December and again on 8 December.
The following was agreed. Staff who traditionally would have expected to be off duty on 29 and 30 December as a result of enjoying privilege or concession days and who this year attend work at the request of management on such days to meet the additional staffing requirements associated with the millennium contingency plan will receive, in respect of each such day, an alternative two days off at times to be agreed locally and on a non-replacement basis. Staff who attend for duty on 28 December and-or 3 January will be dealt with on a local custom and practice basis or in accordance with collective agreements. The option of overtime at normal overtime rates will be offered, in addition to the normal week's pay.
The claim for the period from 8 a.m. on 31 December to 8 a.m. on 2 January 2000 was the subject of a Labour Court hearing yesterday and no recommendation has been made by the chairman at this point.