Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 2

Written Answers. - Departmental Staff.

Billy Timmins

Question:

278 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children if there are any employees in his Department or employed by agencies of his Department, that are receiving a salary but are not working due to industrial disputes, non-agreement on new work practices or awaiting new procedures or practices to be put in place; if so, the total wages of such employees since they fell into this category; the wages for the year 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4107/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

There are no personnel employed by my Department at present that fall into the category specified by the Deputy. As far as the health service as a whole is concerned, neither my Department nor the Health Service Employers Agency has been advised of any cases by health agencies where personnel are currently receiving a salary in the circumstances set out by the Deputy in his question.

The Deputy may wish to note that responsibility for the management of industrial relations and disciplinary issues in individual health agencies rests, in the first instance, with local management. It is the practice that in the event of an industrial dispute occurring, once an employee withdraws his or her labour payment of salary ceases. It is generally the case under grievance procedures that employees remain on full pay while the relevant issues are examined.