Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The termination of fixed term contracts is a matter of great concern to the staff who are the holders of the contracts. It is also of great concern to the clients of the front line services which may be affected. I am constantly asked, by people who are likely to be affected by the termination of short-term contracts, what I think will happen.

For example, I was approached by 11 staff who are on fixed term contracts in An Bord Altranais, which registers the nursing profession. Will their contracts be discontinued? What am I to say to them? The Taoiseach spoke about other staff being moved in to do certain jobs. Is it intended, for example, to move staff from the Department of Health and Children to An Bord Altranais and to let the contract staff go?

These contracts are coming up for renewal. When the decision was taken and the circular sent out, the termination of contracts was thought of in general terms. It is now becoming a reality and people want to know where they stand. What is the answer? The Taoiseach spoke about exceptions. Is there a list of these exceptions? Do the respective Departments and agencies have flexibility in the implementation of the circular?

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