Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Jun 1999

Vol. 505 No. 7

Written Answers. - Nursing Staff.

John Perry

Question:

74 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a proposal from the Nursing Alliance Union on regrading of senior nursing management posts which would result in the effective downgrading of the status of Sligo and Letterkenny general hospitals by comparison with other general and regional hospitals; if he will give a commitment that no such proposal will be agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14691/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I can assure the Deputy that I have no plans to downgrade either Letterkenny General Hospital or Sligo General Hospital.

The proposal from the alliance of nursing unions relates to the categorisation of director of nursing-matron posts within five pay bands, which was introduced as part of the 1997 nurses' pay agreement. Both Letterkenny and Sligo general hospitals are classed as band 1 within this system.

In the course of discussions on the implementation of the report of the commission on nursing, which took place as recommended by the Labour Court, the alliance of nursing unions sought a restructuring of the bands which would involve including both Letterkenny and Sligo general hospitals in band 2. The management side, represented by the health services employers agency, opposed this proposal.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Labour Court is currently considering claims from the alliance of nursing unions arising from Labour Court Recommendation 16084. The court met both parties on 29 and 30 April last. In view of the complexity of the issues involved, further separate meetings were held with the management side on 20 May 1999 and with the nursing alliance on 25 May 1999. I understand that the Labour Court may arrange a further meeting with the health service employers. It would, therefore, be inappropriate for me to make any further comment at this stage.