Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 4

Written Answers. - Flex-Time Work.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

130 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, in place to increase the availability of flexible working hours within his Department and in agencies under its auspices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The availability of flexible working hours within my Department is already in place for grades up to and including higher executive officer and administrative officer. The number of hours allowed for carry-over into a subsequent flexi period has recently been extended from eight hours to 11.5 hours, with union agreement, increasing the amount of flexi leave from one day to 1.5 days per four-week period. The Department is always available for further discussions through the forum of General Council.

Health service employers i.e. health boards, public voluntary hospitals and mental handicap agencies are committed to the introduction of more flexible working arrangements for nursing staff. At present, the only options for permanent employment are full-time work or job-sharing. The absence of more flexible attendance patterns has been identified as a major obstacle to attracting nurses and midwives with family responsibilities back to work. The Health Services Employers Agency, as the representative body for all publicly funded health service employers, recently circulated a discussion document on a revised scheme of working arrangements and will shortly be meeting the nursing unions in relation to the proposals contained in the document. This initiative is being undertaken as part of the programme for partnership. Discussions with other health service unions may be held pending the outcome of the initiative relating to nursing staff.