Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1689. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 846 on 12 July 2022, if his Department is accepting all of the recommendations on the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery; the situation regarding pension entitlements of the grades referred to in the original Parliamentary Question for nursing personnel who are due to retire in the coming weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39925/22]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, I published the Report on the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery 2022 in March. I have accepted all 47 recommendations and their implementation will support nurses and midwives to continue to learn and develop in professional roles, enabling significant reform and ensuring that critical Sláintecare priorities are realised.
I have committed to establishing a process to oversee the implementation of the 47 recommendations which will be led out by Chief Nursing Officer, Ms Rachel Kenna.
The Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery has recommended (recommendation 43) that "the Hospital Banding System currently in place be discontinued. A revised approach for determining Director of Nursing/Midwifery and Assistant Director of Nursing/Midwifery grading across the system to be implemented. This should take into account the revised roles, scope, and responsibilities in the context of Sláintecare and the reforms required to provide integrated and universal healthcare. The number of grades to be rationalised to eight salary scales, the details to be determined between the relevant parties in the context of the next public service pay agreement."
This recommendation is currently being reviewed by my Department and the HSE.
In line with Public Pay Policy all pensions continue to be calculated based on the employees substantive sanctioned post at the date of retirement.
