asked the Minister for Health in the event of the closure or partial closure of voluntary hospitals, the rights and entitlements of permanent pensionable employees whose jobs have been approved by him if they are laid off: and the plans, if any, he has for the redeployment of such staff.
Written Answers. - Voluntary Hospitals.
157.
In the event of the closure or partial closure of a voluntary hospital it would be my intention to redeploy to the greatest possible extent permanent staff to appropriate posts in other institutions. Accordingly my aim would be to reduce as far as possible the necessity for the termination of employment of permanent and pensionable staff.
My Department is currently examining the implications of terminating employment of staff generally in the health service and it is intended to pursue this matter in the forthcoming discussions with the alliance of health service unions.