asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that an application to the Labour Court for a hearing of a dispute between the trade unions representing the attendants who work in the various hospitals under the Waterford Board of Public Assistance and the board has been held up by the Labour Court pending a decision by him in relation to a proposal submitted by the board; and whether he has since come to any definite decision on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Waterford Attendants' Application to Labour Court.
I understand that the Labour Court suggested that the investigation by the court of the dispute referred to in the question should be deferred pending consideration by my Department of "this and related matters". The matters referred to concerned the reclassification of a number of posts held by local authority employees who had hitherto been classified as officers.
Under the Health Officers (Reclassification) Order, 1958, made by me on the 15th February last, persons appointed as hospital attendants will as from 1st April next no longer be classified as officers. My sanction to their employment will consequently not be required and the matter is now one for settlement between the local authority and the trade unions.