Vol. 519 No. 2
187 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the current position in relation to all aspects of the payment of allowances awarded to the nursing profession in November 1999, as part of the settlement of the industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13562/00]
The departmental circular sanctioning the application of the revised schedule of allowances, agreed as part of the settlement of the nurses' strike, was issued on 30 November 1999.
Certain issues regarding the implementation of location allowances in the mental handicap and mental health services were clarified subsequently by the health service employers agency, HSEA, following discussion and agreement with the nursing alliance: on 10 February 2000, the HSEA circulated relevant employers with the list of acute admission units in mental health services which attract payment of a location allowance; and on 7 March 2000, the HSEA circulated relevant employers with details of the implementation arrangements agreed for payment of the location allowance in units for severe and profoundly handicapped in mental handicap services.
Discussions are ongoing regarding the criteria for payment of the location allowance in respect of secure units in mental health services.
On 31 March, my Department wrote to the health boards, on my behalf, requesting that they take such steps as are necessary to ensure that all outstanding moneys due to nurses are paid without further delay. The HSEA also took up the issue with employers. The latest information available to me, dated 9 May, concerning implementation in the health boards is set out as follows. I am not aware of any particular difficulties in the voluntary hospital sector.
Eastern Regional Health Authority-Area Health Boards
Outstanding payment of location allowances in mental health area were scheduled for implementation on 15 May. Outstanding arrears of location and qualification allowances are being processed at present.
Midland Health Board
There are two outstanding locations, both in mental health, St. Fintan's, Portlaoise and St Loman's Mullingar. Payment will be processed this month.
Mid-Western Health Board
All increases have been paid and outstanding arrears will be processed this month. Outstanding payments in mental health nursing will be finalised this month.
North-Eastern Health Board
Two outstanding locations are St. Oliver's Hospital and Louth County Hospital. Payment will be processed this month.
North-Western Health Board
Arrears are outstanding in Sligo General Hospital and will be paid in full this month. All other increases, including arrears, have been paid.
South-Eastern Health Board
