Vol. 505 No. 5
58 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, being taken to settle the industrial dispute involving crisis counsellors employed by the Aoibhneas women's refuge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13983/99]
Aoibhneas women's refuge is a voluntary organisation in receipt of a contribution from the Eastern Health Board towards its costs. It is an autonomous body independent of the board in relation to its day to day operation. Its employees are not employees of the board and their pay, terms and conditions of employment are not controlled by the board. Consequently the industrial dispute involving crisis counsellors is a matter for the management of the refuge as the direct employer and I have no function in this matter.
However, I have been advised by the Eastern Health Board that, although they are not a party to the dispute, they are constantly monitoring the situation.
