asked the Minister for Health if a salary increase has been recommended for consultant specialists in health board hospitals; if so, the percentage increases and the amount; and if its application has been sanctioned.
37.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Consultant Specialists' Salaries.
36.
asked the Minister for Health if he intends to ratify the arbitration award to area health board consultants.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 36 and 37 together. A salary increase for consultants employed in health board hospitals has been recommended by the chairman of the arbitration board, appointed under the conciliation and arbitration scheme for local authority and health board staff. The percentage increases recommended range from 15 to 17 per cent. In monetary terms the increases range from £1,289 to £1,532 per annum. The recommendations in the report, which is dated 28 March 1978, are at present being considered.
Is there provision for retrospection?
Yes, to 1 April 1977.
Can the Minister give us again the date of the report?
March 28.
When is there likely to be a decision in relation to the recommendation?
As soon as possible.
Have the other side indicated their acceptance of the recommendation?
The position is that the recommendation is being considered.
By the two parties?
That is a question the Deputy should address to the other side.
That is not what I mean. The recommendation is not dependent totally on one party agreeing.
It is only a recommendation. My responsibility is either to accept or reject it and the decision in that regard is being considered.