Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 2

Written Answers. - Health Board Action Payments.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

80 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Health the reason the Mid-Western Health Board has not paid six nurses in County Limerick the damages awarded to them by the Limerick Circuit Court on 4 December 1996, in their action against that health board; and when the plaintiffs will be paid the amounts to which they are entitled under the court ruling. [6713/97]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): A settlement between the solicitors representing the Mid-Western Health Board and the six plaintiffs, who are nurses or former nurses at St. Nessan's Orthopaedic Hospital, Croom, was reached on 4 December 1996. This involved the payment by the Mid-Western Health Board of £7,500 to each within one month.

The delay which was encountered in implementing the terms of this settlement arose from a query in relation to the deduction of income tax. This matter had to be referred to the Revenue Commissioners by the board for a decision.

A reply has now been received by the Mid-Western Health Board from the Revenue Commissioners and payments for the individuals concerned have since been processed and are due to be paid this week. The Mid-Western Health Board's solicitor kept the plaintiffs' solicitor informed of developments throughout.