asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Irish Nurses Organisation have protested to the County and City Managers Association against the delay in negotiating a claim on behalf of Irish nurses submitted on 17th June, 1968; under what authority county managers can hold up such claims; and if, having regard to the hardship caused by the delay in granting this claim, he will state what urgent steps he proposes to take to have the matter brought to a conclusion.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Nurses' Claim.
74.
I assume that the claim to which the Deputy refers is that for a reduction in working hours and an increase in annual leave, and not the claim for increased pay which is at present before the Arbitrator under the Scheme of Conciliation and Arbitration for local authority officers.
I understand that the County and City Managers' Association, representing the employing health authorities, considered the matter at a meeting earlier this month and will be in touch shortly with the Irish Nurses' Organisation, following which it may be assumed that the parties will meet for discussion.
I am sure that, in these circumstances, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to offer a comment at this stage.