Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am taking this Adjournment on behalf of my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney. As Deputy Deenihan is aware, operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services lies with the HSE, including responsibility for the provision of services at Tralee General Hospital. It would not be appropriate for the Tánaiste to intervene in industrial relations matters in Tralee General Hospital. Existing industrial relations mechanisms and procedures are in place to discuss and resolve issues of dispute.

The Department of Health and Children has been informed by the HSE that the threat of industrial action by the INO to which the Deputy referred has been withdrawn. The HSE has reported that a review of nurse staffing levels at Tralee General Hospital to commence on 1 February 2006 has been agreed. The review will be undertaken by an external consultant.

It has been acknowledged by all sides in this dispute that every effort will continue to be made to maintain current nurse staffing levels using all available resources. Hospital management has stated that the same high quality of patient care will continue to be delivered by Tralee General Hospital.

See this speech in context