asked the Minister for Health if it is his intention to include all para-medical staff in the commission of inquiry into nurses' pay and conditions.
49.
Written Answers. - Nursing Profession.
48.
asked the Minister for Health the action he now intends to take following the rejection by the Irish Nurses' Organisation of his proposed commission of inquiry, to avert complete chaos and a breakdown of hospital services, and to ensure a proper level of remuneration for the nursing profession.
50.
asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on his recent meeting with the nursing profession designed to avoid the need for its members to resign from their posts because of dissatisfaction with their working conditions, salary and pension rights.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 49 and 50 together.
I have had a number of meetings with the Irish Nurses' Organisation and the other unions concerned. Procedures were discussed which would enable all pay claims in respect of nurses and certain para-medical staff to be examined and processed thoroughly and expeditiously. It is expected that the procedures will be finalised at an early date.
The staff representatives are to consider further the suggestion that certain para-medical staffs should be included in the procedures.