Vol. 480 No. 6
277 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children whether pension increases will be paid to retired nurses arising from acceptance by nurses of the Labour Court recommendation of 7 February 1997; if so, when such increases will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/97]
The pay proposals developed to date involve an element of restructuring, as provided for under the local bargaining clause of the PCW pay agreement. This applies to nurses and many other groups such as civil servants, clerical and administrative grades in the health boards and local authorities, teachers and gardaí, who have concluded or are concluding agreements under the restructuring option of the PCW.
Generally speaking, the agreements emerging do not provide for uniform increases across groups and in many cases even within grades. This complicates the position regarding adjustments to pensions and this question is being considered in respect of all affected groups across the public service.
Discussions took place between the Department of Finance and the Public Services Committee of ICTU about this matter. Consideration is still being given to the implications of the restructuring deals for existing pensioners and pensions increase policy across the public service. When this general policy issue has been resolved my Department will be in a position to clarify the adjustments to be made to retired health service staff, including nurses.
