asked the Minister for Labour if he is aware that it is now asserted that "temporary" officers of health boards, who do not enjoy the protection afforded to permanent or established officers under the local government legislation, do not come within the scope of the Unfair Dismissals Act; and if he will propose an early amendment in order to remove this anomaly.
Written Answers. - Health Board Temporary Officers.
263.
Section 2 (1) of the Unfair Dismissals Act, 1977, excludes "Officers of Health Boards" from the application of the Act. Furthermore, section 2 (2) of the Act, provides that the Act shall not apply to dismissal where the employment was under a contract of employment for a fixed term or a specified purpose and the dismissal consisted only of the expiry of the term without its being renewed. The contract must be in writing and signed by or on behalf of employer and employee. This provision relates to all employments and grades of employees.
I am aware of the assertion in relation to temporary officers of health boards and I am considering the position of these officers in consultation with the Minister for Health.