Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 21 Nov 1995

Vol. 458 No. 5

Written Answers. - Mullingar (Westmeath) Hospital Nursing Staff.

Paul McGrath

Question:

84 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health when discussions between management and unions at Saint Loman's hospital, Mullingar, County Westmeath, commenced regarding the transfer of temporary to permanent posts at this hospital; the number of meetings concerning this matter which have taken place to date; and the current status of these discussions. [17321/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): Discussions have been ongoing between management and unions at St. Loman's Hospital on the conversion of posts from temporary to permanent since 1989. The staff associations have expressed concern at the impact that the appointment of permanent staff might have on the employment opportunities for nurses currently on the temporary part-time panel. It would not be feasible to identify the exact number of meetings during which this particular topic has been raised, either formally or informally.

The filling of vacancies on a permanent basis offers an opportunity to nurses on the part-time panel to compete for permanent appointments at St. Loman's Hospital. Three vacancies have been filled from the current panel, and the filling of further vacancies is currently the subject of discussions between the board and the staff associations. It is the view of the board that following the making of the proposed permanent appointments, which will be made on a phased basis, significant employment opportunities for the part-time nurses will continue.