Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 22 Jan 1997

Vol. 473 No. 4

Written Answers. - Physiotherapists' Pay Claim.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

138 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, made to date in relation to the claim by chartered physiotherapists for a wage increase under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work; the current status of this pay claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25225/96]

Dermot Ahern

Question:

139 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the need to review the salary scale of physiotherapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25269/96]

John O'Donoghue

Question:

183 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that physiotherapists are adequately remunerated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1598/97]

John O'Donoghue

Question:

184 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the current status of the physiotherapists pay negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1601/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 138, 139, 183 and 184 together.

Physiotherapists, similar to all other paramedical professions, have benefited in full from all standard and special pay awards under the various national pay programmes down through the years. The relative position of physiotherapists, in terms of remuneration, has been maintained with those of their colleagues in other paramedical disciplines.

IMPACT, on behalf of physiotherapists, is currently pursuing a pay claim under Clause 2 (iii) — Annex 1 of theProgramme for Competitiveness and Work. These negotiations are complex and are ongoing under the auspices of Health Service Employers' Agency, with a view to arriving at a mutually satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible.

In these circumstances, I am sure that you will appreciate that any further comment on my part would not be appropriate or helpful.