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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Early Retirement for Nurses.

Mary Coughlan

Ceist:

154 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to provide an early retirement package for nurses; and his views in this regard. [18287/96]

Limerick East): The question of a lower retirement package for general nurses was considered as part of the discussions with the nursing unions under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.

The nurses claim in relation to early retirement could not be agreed between the parties and was one of the issues referred for adjudication as provided for in the framework agreed between the Government and ICTU. The finding by the Adjudication Board was issued to management and unions on Monday, 23 September. In relation to the issue of early retirement the board found as follows:

The Board has noted also [sic] that the Government has established a Public Service Pensions Commission, including representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, with terms of reference which, in the Boards's view, would embrace examination of the voluntary early retirement issue....

In the interim, the Board recommends the implementation of a limited initiative from January 1997 to address the immediate situation of nurses (other than nurses who already enjoy enhanced superannuation terms) who find the demands of the profession are such that they are no longer able to function at the level of professional performance they themselves and management require. Accordingly, the Board has concluded that an early retirement facility should be introduced for such nurses, aged 57 or over with at least 35 years service subject to a number of criteria which would underpin the delivery of a consistently high quality nursing service. The Board recommends that the overall number of retirements under the Scheme be limited to a quota of 100 per annum and that it should operate on a pilot basis pending the report of the Commission on Public Service Pensions.
A revised set of proposals incorporating this and the other recommendations of the Adjudication Board are currently being balloted on by the nursing unions. The unions have recommended the revised proposals for positive consideration by their members. Their positive response is most welcome and I hope that this new package will meet with the approval of nurses throughout the country. Subject to an early and positive outcome to the ballot it is my intention that all elements of the package proposed be implemented at an early date.
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