Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 71: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if the estimated extra man hours needed to implement the 37 hour week for nurses has been calculated; the details of the plan to implement same; if she has decided on an implementation date; the cost of the plan; and the number of people who will need to be recruited. [19409/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The National Implementation Body (NIB) in its statement dated 15 May 2007 proposed a two phase approach to the claim for reduced hours for nurses/midwives.

Phase 1. The NIB proposed a reduction of 1.5 hours to 37.5 hours by 1 June 2008. This reduction must be achieved on a cost neutral basis and without diminution of service to patients. There will be local engagement over the coming months on changes in rosters, skill mix and other productivity measure which could facilitate the reduction. The Health Service Performance Verification Group would validate local proposals for the reduction in hours prior to its introduction. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has prepared an action plan for the management of the Phase 1 process, setting out timelines for the implementation of the various strands.

Phase 2. The NIB recommended the establishment of a Commission to produce an independent assessment of how a 35 hour week can be achieved, having regard to the issues set out in the relevant Labour Court Recommendation (No. 18763). This Commission will be chaired by an eminent person and it will have four other members, two of whom will have international expertise. The Commission will be expected to report within six months. I will shortly be bringing proposals before Cabinet for the establishment of the Commission recommended by the NIB.