Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 1991

Vol. 407 No. 1

Written Answers. - Implementation of Pay Award.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

296 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to the pay award recently granted to social workers in hospitals under the control of the Eastern Health Board and who have not yet been paid the award, he will outline the action he proposes to take to ensure the full implementation of this award by the health board; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The Deputy recently tabled a question to me in the House concerning an increase in the basic pay of social workers consequent on a review of the matter under the conciliation and arbitration scheme. On that occasion I advised the Deputy — in a written reply on Wednesday, 6 March 1991 — that sanction to implement the arbitrator's finding in respect of social workers was issued by my Department on 1 March 1991 and that the arrangements for payment were a matter for individual employers. Accordingly, the arrangements for payment of the increase to social workers in hospitals under the control of the Eastern Health Board are a matter for that board.

I have had inquiries made of the Eastern Health Board and I understand that arrangements to remunerate their social worker staff on the revised scales will be made within the next eight days. As the revision of salary, in this instance, dates back to 1 July 1989, there is the question of calculating retrospection in each individual case. It is understood from the board that this work is at present in hand and that it is hoped that arrangements for payment of the element of retrospection involved in the implementation of the arbitrator's award will be completed by the end of May.