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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Nov 1999

Vol. 511 No. 3

Written Answers. - Job Sharing Scheme.

Conor Lenihan

Question:

229 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he is taking to encourage job sharing in the nursing profession in order that nurses who have left the work force can resume work and help in reducing the shortages. [24420/99]

Conor Lenihan

Question:

230 Mr. C. Lenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a great number of nurses are doing agency nursing due to the absence of a viable system of job sharing in the profession. [24421/99]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together.

A job sharing scheme has been operating in the health services since 1985. This scheme is open to all categories of staff, including nurses.

The Health Service Employers Agency circulated a discussion document on a revised scheme of working arrangements to the nursing unions in April of this year. Discussions are ongoing with the Nursing Alliance on a range of initiatives to encourage the recruitment, retention and return of nurses to the profession.
A study is under way in Cork University Hospital to identify and pilot suitable flexible working arrangements for nurses. This pilot project has been undertaken by staff and management in partnership under the aegis of the HSEA and private consultants.
In broader terms throughout the health service, managers are facilitating staff who wish to work more family friendly rosters. The areas of term time working and annualised hours are the subject of ongoing discussions with staff representatives.
In general, employers have instituted a variety of work attendance regimes to attract and retain nursing staff.
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