Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1993

Vol. 431 No. 1

Written Answers. - Nurses' Pay.

Michael Noonan

Question:

122 Mr. Noonan (Limerick East) asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are major discrepancies in the pay of nurses working at a Cheshire Home (details supplied) and that of nurses in the local health board; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the pay of those working at the Cheshire Home is dependent on a block grant paid by the relevant health board; and the steps, if any, he intends taking to ensure that nurses, employed at one remove from the health board, enjoy the same rates of pay as those directly employed by the health board.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

In common with all Cheshire Homes, the Home referred to by the Deputy is an independent voluntary body over which my Department has no direct control. Neither the health boards nor my Department are involved in the recruitment, pay or conditions of employees in any of the Cheshire Homes. This is entirely a matter for the management of the Homes concerned.

I am, however, aware of the financial difficulties being experienced by some Cheshire Homes, including the Home referred to by the Deputy. I would hope to be able to provide some additional funding in the current year to enable health boards increase their grants to the homes.

I understand that the staff of the Home referred to by the Deputy have submitted a claim for parity with health board rates to the management of the Home. Negotiations on this claim which has been referred to the Labour Court are progressing at the moment. It would be inappropriate for my Department to intervene during the course of these negotiations.