Vol. 527 No. 3
220 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will take steps to ensure that the 5% special increase agreed for staff nurses with 23 years service, is paid out to persons in this grade as quickly as possible, as it appears this was part of the settlement made in the industrial action by nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28167/00]
The Labour Court, as part of the nurses' strike settlement, recommended the filling of 2,500 senior staff nurse posts. For the first filling of these posts, it was agreed that a nurse with 23 years post-registration service would qualify for appointment as a senior staff nurse. It is estimated that some 3,200 posts have been or are in the process of being filled.
I have been advised by the Health Service Employers Agency that some delay in processing appointments has occurred within the Eastern Regional Health Authority. However, both unions and management locally have worked closely to overcome difficulties and it is now expected that payment, including arrears, will be made on 21 December 2000.
