Vol. 524 No. 4
99 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will arrange immediate payment of location money still outstanding to nurses in the South Eastern Health Board region, which was part of the agreement reached with the nurses following their dispute with his Department some time ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22756/00]
Location allowances and appropriate arrears have been paid in full in all acute hospitals in the South Eastern Health Board area. Location allowances have also been paid in full in all care of the elderly hospitals in the South Eastern Health Board area.
Location allowances have been paid in acute units in psychiatric hospitals, and identified units for the severe and profound mentally handicapped where the patient profile is 75% in this category. The South Eastern Health Board is in the process of identifying further units which might meet the criteria for payment of location allowance under the severe and profound criteria. A number of units have been identified and paid under the secure unit criteria. Further units may on further examination meet these criteria and payment will be made. Individual eligibility issues are being dealt with and the South Eastern Health Board hope to have answered queries and where appropriate made corrections in the next two weeks.
Claims for units which do not appear to fit within the criteria are being discussed with unions and the Health Service Employers Agency in the hope of reaching agreement.
