Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 December 2018
491. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to allocate extra resources to aid in the retention and recruitment of nursing and other front-line staff in public facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43950/18]
View answerThe Government has already allocated significant resources to improving the pay rates for all public servants, including health sector staff, through the Public Service Stability Agreement. This Agreement is delivering wage increases of 6.4% to 7.2% over 2018-2020 and is weighted toward the lowest paid. On top of the pay increases provided under the PSSA, in September agreement was reached with staff interests on proposals relating to the so-called “new entrant pay” issue. This would deliver an average of an additional €3,000 over the coming years starting in March next year to over 60,000 post-2011 new entrants, including 10,000 nurses.
Specifically in relation to nurses, it should also be noted that the Public Service Pay Commission recommended a 20% increase in the Location and Qualification Allowances for nurses and midwives and accelerated promotion for nurses to the senior staff nurse level. Subject to acceptance, these measures will be implemented from March 2019 at a cost of €20m per annum.
The Deputy will be aware, however, that both the INMO and the PNA have rejected the pay proposals. Notwithstanding their rejection of these proposals, officials from my Department and the HSE have met with the nursing unions to clarify their issues. I understand that the parties have been invited to attend the National Oversight Body and I am hopeful this will help to progress matters.
