asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a long standing dispute between community welfare officers and the Western Health Board which has resulted in applications for various schemes not being processed promptly and if he will take the necessary steps to have the matter resolved immediately.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Community Welfare Officers Dispute.
23.
I am aware that there is a dispute between the Western Health Board and certain community welfare officers employed by the board in County Mayo. A claim made by the union representing these officers has been the subject of a Labour Court hearing. Recommendations issued by the court on 10 January last have not been accepted by the community welfare officers concerned.
A meeting between officers of the health board and the union was held on Monday, 10 March. Arising from the discussion which took place at the meeting, it has been decided by the people concerned that normal work will be undertaken as from next Monday, pending the results of fresh negotiations.
Does that mean that the backlog of applications for medical cards and other schemes administered by the health boards will be attended to by these officers?
Normal work will commence as and from next Monday. This is a new development, and it means that the work will be proceeded with.