Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 7

Written Answers. - Public Health Nurses.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

54 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the situation regarding public health nurses who receive a relatively small petrol allowance for the use of their own cars in carrying out their essential public service; his views on their terms of work which require weekend and bank holiday cover without extra allowances and the general pay scale which applies to such nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7252/96]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): All public health nurses are paid the standard motor mileage rates which apply throughout the health and local government areas.

In addition, the following allowances apply in respect of planned essential services undertaken by public health nurses at weekends and public holidays:

	£
Fixed Payment	13.87
First call out on Saturday and first call out on Sunday	18.41
Each subsequent call out on Saturday and Sunday	9.23

These allowances are revised in line with general round increases for nurses. The rates apply nationally with the exception of the Dublin area of the Eastern Health Board where by agreement the method of compensation is time off in lieu in respect of planned essential services. Claims for improvements in the pay and conditions of health services staff must be processed through the industrial relations procedures.

As the Deputy will be aware, under theProgramme for Competitiveness and Work unions representing nurses have processed a major claim for improvements in conditions of employment of nurses. A claim for increases on general pay scales for all grades, including public health nurses, formed part of the recent negotiations. Unions are currently in the process of balloting their members on an offer made in response to this claim. Given the balloting process is not yet complete, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this time.