Paul McGrath
Ceist:59 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health the leave entitlement of public health nurses employed by health boards; and if each of the health boards adheres to these entitlements. [12234/95]
Written Answers. - Leave Entitlements.
Limerick East): The annual leave entitlement of basic nursing grades is nationally agreed and approved by the Department. It currently stands at 32 calendar or consecutive days which may also be expressed as 24 working days.
The implementation of annual leave is, in the first instance, a matter for local management. My Department is aware of a number of variations in relation to the annual leave entitlements of public health nurses. The variations relate to a small number of cases where additional days were granted by local management when annual leave for this grade was being rationalised. I am satisfied that, at a minimum, the annual leave entitlements laid down by my Department are being adhered to.