Nursing Staff Contracts

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2019

Thursday, 26 September 2019

Ceisteanna (148, 149)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

148. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the independent verification process to determine the level of savings generated by productivity measures to offset the cost of the nurses’ pay deal in February 2019 which was proposed in the Labour Court agreement that led to a resolution of the strike has been put in place; if so, the terms of reference and details of those who will serve on it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39211/19]

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

149. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if, in dealing with the recent nurses’ pay dispute, verified savings and productivity do not materialise by the end of 2019 the initiatives set out under the agreement will be paused in keeping with the recommendation of the Labour Court; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39212/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.

A core element of improved productivity and potential savings to be achieved is the new enhanced nurse/midwife role. In that context, the HSE has issued a circular opening the Enhanced Practice role to eligible applicants on 23rd August 2019.

It is important to allow time for eligible applicants to consider the circular and for the new enhanced practice roles to become established and for it to start to have the intended positive impact on the health services.

The establishment of an independent verification mechanism as set out in the Labour Court recommendation will be the subject of discussions between the parties to the agreement.

Health Service Management are committed to the full implementation this Labour Court recommendation and the implementation of all aspects of the agreement will be closely monitored through an agreed HSE Implementation Plan.