Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Feb 1991

Vol. 404 No. 8

Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Transfer of Nursing Staff.

Pat Rabbitte

Question:

14 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the reason some health boards are not willing to facilitate transfers between nurses, especially in cases where the appropriate local management are agreeable to receive the transferring nurse; the reason there should be inconsistency between health boards on this matter having regard to the requirement that all candidates for appointment to a permanent position with a health board must undergo a public competition; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Dr. O'Hanlon

The recruitment of nursing staff is a matter for the chief executive officer of each health board in accordance with the terms of the Health Act, 1970. There is no provision in this Act, or in the regulations made subsequent to its enactment, for the transfer of nursing staff from employment with one health board to employment with any other health board.

Although I am sympathetic to the matter, the central imposition of a scheme for the transfer of nursing staff would be viewed by the chief executive officers of the health boards as a diminution of their executive authority in recruitment matters. It is of course open to the chief executive officers themselves to come to an agreement regarding the transfer of staff. With this in mind, my Department have initiated discussions with the chief executive officers on this matter and it is hoped that progress will be made in the near future.

Mr. Rabbitte

I have a list of case examples from my union, SIPTU, and I know the Minister is familiar with it. Does he not agree that it is bureaucracy gone mad that a nurse working in one health board area who wishes to exchange with a colleague nurse in another health area is not permitted to do so? Does the Minister intend to take any steps to facilitate these transfers? I remind him, and I am sure he agrees, that in the redeployment proposals agreed between the unions and his Department the chief executive officers seem to have no difficulty in arranging for posts to be filled. Surely, subject to suitability, the arrangements ought to be more consistent as between health boards and the Minister should act to facilitate sensible inter-transfers.

Dr. O'Hanlon

As I pointed out to the Deputy, by law, under the Health Act, 1970, the recruitment of staff is entirely a matter for chief executive officers. Having said that, I pointed out to him that my officials are in discussion with chief executive officers and, certainly, I will bring to their attention the points raised by Deputy Rabbitte.