asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of a package deal being negotiated between the City and County Managers Association and the ITGWU on behalf of nurses employed in mental health institutions, whereby the Managers Association are prepared to concede a well-earned increase in remuneration to the nurses concerned on their union undertaking on behalf of the nurses, and without their consent, to surrender certain rights and privileges appertaining to their conditions of employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Psychiatric Nurses.
69.
I understand that negotiations are taking place between the Workers' Union of Ireland, the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union and the Irish Women Workers' Union, representing the nurses, and the County and City Managers Association, representing the employing Health Authorities, on the subject of revised remuneration and conditions of service for Psychiatric Nurses.
Since the implementation of any settlement reached will be subject to my approval, the Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to offer any comment at this stage.
Would the Minister not make a comment on the mischievous suggestion that the unions are selling out their members?
I would prefer not to do so.
Perhaps the Minister is treating it with the contempt it deserves.