Finian McGrath
Question:123 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will intervene to end the prolonged strike of public health doctors and insist that they receive adequate payment for their valuable services. [15391/03]
Written Answers. - Industrial Disputes.
Mary Wallace
Question:295 Ms M. Wallace asked the Minister for Health and Children the issues which are preventing the resolution of the national strike by the area medical officers by health boards which is now in its ninth week; if it has been taken into consideration by all sides that there are patients awaiting decisions from health boards which cannot be taken without the area medical officers report; the arrangements which can be put in place for the patients who are affected by this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17405/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 123 and 295 together.
I am happy to inform the Deputy that the public health doctors returned to work on Friday, 20 June following the recommendation of the IMO that they accept the settlement terms brokered by the Labour Relations Commission and the determination issued by the Public Service Adjudication Body. The IMO is balloting its members on these recommendations, the result of this ballot will be known on 4 July 2003.