(Cavan-Monaghan) asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a practice has developed in some health boards of employing nurses in a temporary capacity over a number of years, and in some cases many years, on the basis of first year salaries; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is not the practice of health boards to employ nurses in a long-term temporary capacity. Where possible all posts are filled on a permanent basis. Where temporary appointments are necessary they are usually made for a short-term only.

However, I am aware that some health boards have a number of nurses in long-term temporary employment who, in accordance with normal practice, are remunerated at the first point of the relevant salary scales. Discussions with the staff associations concerning the position of these nurses have been held under the auspices of the Local Government Staff Negotiations Board. It is hoped to give existing long-term temporary nursing staff a special opportunity of competing for permanent appointment and to eliminate any future need for long-term temporary appointments.

(Cavan-Monaghan): I take it that the Minister is agreeing that there are cases where nurses are employed on a temporary basis for a long time? Does the Minister agree that some of those temporary appointments go on for up to 15 years and that during that time the nurses are remunerated on the basis of the first point on the salary scale? Does he agree that that is unjust, to put it bluntly?

It is on that basis that discussions were held with the appropriate board to try to regularise the position.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Is anything being done about this?

Discussions are at an advanced stage.

(Cavan-Monaghan): Will something tangible result?

Tangible results have come from the discussions and they will, hopefully, lead to a solution of the problem.