asked the Minister for Health if in view of the shortage of nurses he will consider the payment of overtime at rates comparable to those paid in other employments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Overtime Pay for Nurses.
11.
I am prepared to consider on their merits any proposals from local health authorities for the stimulation of recruitment to their nursing staffs. So far, in the few areas where a shortage of nursing staff has been encountered, the inducements have taken the form of incremental salary concessions to nurses, including married nurses.
As to the payment of overtime, I understand that this issue is an element in a claim for reduced working hours, submitted by the Irish Nurses' Organisation, which is being considered by the County and City Managers' Association on behalf of the employing health authorities. Since the implementation of any settlement that may emerge will be subject to my sanction, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to offer any comment at this stage.