Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 May 1992

Vol. 419 No. 6

Written Answers. - Job Sharing.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

190 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health if he intends to make the necessary provision in order that the present job-sharing scheme can continue at St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel, County Tipperary, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

215 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the South-Eastern Health Board intend to cease having job-sharing as an option for nurses in their hospitals; if he will provide information regarding the numbers who have availed of this option over the past three years, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Connell)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 215 together.

The terms of the Job Sharing Scheme which was introduced by my Department in 1985 for Health Service staff provide that it is a matter for the employing agency having regard to service requirements to apply the job sharing scheme or not in any particular case. An indication of the success of the scheme is shown by the number of those who have availed of the scheme in the South-Eastern Health Board over the past three years. In 1989, there were 191. In 1990, there were 192. Whilst in 1991, the numbers had increased to 214.

It is not true to say that the job sharing scheme is being discontinued at St. Joseph's Hospital, Clonmel or in the South-Eastern Health Board generally. The South-Eastern Health Board is currently undertaking a review of the job sharing scheme and is in discussion with the Irish Nursing Organisation on the matter. In view of this, it would not be appropriate for me to comment any further on the situation in the South-Eastern Health Board at present.

I would, however, like to say regarding the job sharing scheme generally that I am committed to encouraging health agencies to allow the scheme to be used to the fullest possible extent. In this regard, my Department is initiating a review of the scheme with a view to seeing what further steps can be taken to expand it.