Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Oct 2001

Vol. 542 No. 3

Written Answers. - Incremental Credits.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

131 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason incremental credit is not being given to a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim in a nursing capacity; and if he will issue a directive to the various health boards on entitlement to incremental credits. [24419/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The Health Service Employers Agency, HSEA, circulated all agencies on 18 June 1999 outlining the revised incremental credit arrangements for nurses. The document stipulated that incremental credit may be granted on permanent appointment in respect of all previous genuine nursing experience in Ireland and abroad. This provision was agreed with the Nursing Alliance on 3 November 1998 and took effect from that date. Prior to this, incremental credit on permanent appointment could only be granted in respect of previous nursing experience in the public health service and designated private hospitals.

It was further agreed that whole-time temporary nurses may also be awarded incremental credit for previous genuine nursing experience, subject to appropriate validation. The incremental progression from the seventh to the maximum point of the salary scale was to be implemented on a phased basis; to the eight point in 1999, the ninth point in 2000, and the tenth point in 2001. The agreement came into effect on 1 January 1999. Since the person to whom the question relates is an employee of the North Western Health Board, I have asked the chief executive officer of that board to investigate the case and to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to it.