Limerick East): The claim submitted by IMPACT, on behalf of environmental health officers, for a salary revision was processed through the standard industrial relations procedures and was the subject of two hearings by a board under the scheme for a National Joint Council and Arbitration Board for Local Government and Health Services.
The claim was given detailed consideration by the Arbitration Board which rejected the basis on which the claim had been made. Both the management and staff interests had opted to refer the matter to arbitration. By convention, the decisions of the Arbitration Board are accepted by both sides. Accordingly, there is no role for me, as Minister for Health, to intervene in the process. I am aware that environmental health officers are in the process of consulting their union branches on the issue of industrial action. Depending on the outcome of these discussions and the form of industrial action planned, if any, the implications for public health and food safety will be considered at that time.
