asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the non-nursing staff in Saint Finan's Hospital, Killarney, have been granted a 42½-hour week with effect as from the 1st July, 1967, whereas the nursing staff have been granted the same concession with effect as from the 1st January, 1967; and whether he will take this matter up with the health authority with a view to fixing 1st January, 1967, as the operative date for a 42½-hour week for all the staff in the hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Killarney Hospital Non-Nursing Staff.
49.
Negotiations leading to the introduction of an 85-hour fortnight for nurses as from 1st January, 1967, were conducted centrally last year and affected all health authority institutions.
Negotiations on the hours of duty for the non-nursing personnel mentioned were conducted locally between the employing health authorities and the trade unions representing the staffs. It was agreed between the negotiating parties that the operative date for the introduction of a 42½-hour week should be 1st July, 1967, and I do not feel called upon to intervene.