Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the discussions she has had with the Health Service Executive regarding impending industrial action by the Irish Nurses Organisation, the Psychiatric Nurses Association and by IMPACT workers in the health services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6546/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Discussions regarding impending industrial action by the Irish Nurses Organisation and the Psychiatric Nurses Association have been led by the Health Service Executive — Employers Agency. These discussions form part of the process of established industrial relations practices and procedures and in particular the Framework for Dispute Resolution in the Health Services. Officials from my Department have been included in these discussions as appropriate and have ensured that I have been fully briefed on the issues. Outside of this formal process I would have had ongoing discussions with the HSE in relation to aspects of these matters.

I am concerned that the industrial action recently notified by the INO and PNA includes a nationwide work to rule and work stoppages which will have a significant impact on patients and their families. I am monitoring the situation closely and I would urge the unions concerned to give further consideration to the recent Labour Court Recommendation and to participate in the agreed processes for the determination of public service pay.