Tralee hospital staffing levels
The Minister said staffing negotiations were complete: 160 additional staff would be recruited for the first phase and another 174 during the year. He expected about 650 people to be employed by year-end; Fitzgerald praised the health board staff and criticized the funding available.
Have negotiations on the staffing levels been completed with the trade unions concerned?
Comment on this
Yes, they have been very difficult negotiations. I mentioned a total of 350 staff. Initially 160 additional staff will be necessary to open the first phase. These will be recruited by April and the remaining 174 will be recruited during the remainder of this year. Therefore, by the end of 1984, there will be 650 people approximately employed in the hospital. The equipping of the hospital is now being completed and we do not envisage any difficulties there. I should like to put on record my thanks to Mr. Walsh, Mr. O'Sullivan and his colleagues and to Denis Dudley, in the Southern Health Board, for their co-operation in the staffing arrangements. It has been very difficult because of the pressures on my Department but so far everything is on target.
Comment on this
They are excellent people if the Minister would only give them a few shillings.