asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to take any further action to implement his decision to allow additional benefits to theatre operating duty nurses.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Theatre Operating Duty Nurses.
173.
Earlier this year I intimated to the employing health authorities that my approval would be forthcoming to the payment of an annual allowance to theatre nursing staff in hospitals where separate night staff for the theatre are not employed.
Since that time, however, the Irish Nurses' Organisation have withdrawn the claim for an annual allowance in favour of a fresh claim for "On-call" and "Stand-by" fees. I understand that the new claim is being considered on behalf of the employers by the County and City Managers' Association.
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.