Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I was a member of the Sinn Féin delegation which met recently with the troika. I was very conscious in that regard of the impression - widely reported in the media - the Minister gave that permission to introduce what many call a yellow pack scheme for qualified nurses was achieved in negotiations with the troika. It was made clear to us by the troika at our meeting that the scheme is entirely of the Government's doing. Will the Minister acknowledge that the scheme is his baby alone? Can the Minister tell the House how many applications have been received for what is an undermining of graduate nurses' qualifications and entitlements? They will receive two-year contracts at 80% of the salary of serving nurses. These nurses are fully qualified and will take on full responsibility within whatever setting they find employment. Does the Minister accept that nurses in general and psychiatric nurses have voted with their feet? Will he withdraw the scheme? Will he sit down with the unions as they have requested and discuss genuine measures for savings while protecting the already reduced pay and entitlements of nurses across the board thereby ensuring the highest standards of patient care?

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