I have been informed by the North-Eastern Health Board that there are approximately 127 temporary nurses employed at Cavan General Hospital, of whom 58 are on 39-hour week contracts, 37 are on eight 35-hour week contracts and 32 work flexible hours without commitment. A number of these temporary positions are part-time and the nurses concerned work less than the normal 39 hour week. According to the health board, a new flexible working arrangement which I launched last November came into operation on 1 February 2001. This initiative should allow employers to be more flexible in their approach to this whole area. This should be able to facilitate nurses with their requests for permanent part-time work. In accordance with the blue book agreement with the nursing unions, a total of 30 temporary nurses employed at Cavan General Hospital have been given permanent contracts to date under the conversion process provided for in that agreement. There is nothing to prevent further conversions to permanent status being made, subject to the hospital staying within its approved complement of nursing posts. The North-Eastern Health Board has assured me that the number of temporary nurses employed at Cavan General Hospital is having no adverse impact on the delivery of skilled nursing care to patients.
