James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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Question 85: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Labour Court recommendation (details supplied) will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8942/05]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the 32 public health nurses will be refunded payment in the near future following a resolution of the Labour Court on 29 November 2004 (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9031/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 101 together.

The Labour Court recommendation, LRC 18030, referred to by the Deputy is in relation to 32 student public health nurses, represented by the Irish Nurses Organisation, INO, who undertook the public health post-graduate training programme in 2003 but had not secured sponsorship for the programme. The recommendation was issued on 29 November 2004.

The recommendation of the court has quite significant implications in relation to future sponsorship arrangements and employment of public health nurses. The Health Service Executive, employer representative division, formerly HSEA, sought clarification from the Labour Court in relation to the recommendation. A response has now been received from the court and I understand that the HSE is in the process of setting up a meeting with the INO to agree arrangements as to how the court's recommendations will be implemented.