811. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) concerning the recent public sector pay deal as it relates to the health sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29967/24]

I would like to acknowledge the very important part that Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialists (CNS/CMS) play in our health sector. They have a key role in the effective coordination of care for patients in our Health Service. My Department is committed to the continued and ongoing development and support of the CNS and CMS roles going forward.

Recent increases applied to the Clinical Nurse/ Midwife Manager 2 (CNM2/CMM2) scale were a result of the implementation of recommendation 45 of the Expert Review Body (ERB) on Nursing and Midwifery. I understand that there are calls for the CNS/CMS grades to now also be included in the implementation of recommendation 45 of the ERB. While I understand that the salary of the CNS/CMS role has historically been aligned with the CNM 2/CMM 2 role, the terms of reference for the ERB did not incorporate the CNS/CMS for pay related considerations.

I can advise that my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure on this matter.