Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 695: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the estimated number of man hours of overtime worked in agencies or authorities or divisions which report to her from 2008 to date in 2010; the total costs involved; the overtime premia which apply for overtime working at different times and for callouts when workers are on call. [32926/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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My Department does not retain the records requested by the Deputy regarding the number of man hours of overtime worked or the associated costs, in external agencies (the HSE and non-commercial state-sponsored bodies) under the aegis of my Department.

Accordingly, I have referred this part of the question (overtime man hours and costs) to the executive, for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. My Department is also writing to the relevant non-commercial state sponsored bodies to ask that they provide a response in relation to their organisation. This material will then be compiled by my Department and forwarded to the Deputy, as soon as it is available.

With regard to the Deputy's query concerning overtime premia which apply for overtime working at different times and for callouts, where workers are on call, I am informed that there are different methods used in the calculation of such payments, depending on the category of worker involved (e.g. Nursing, Dental, clerical/admin, etc.), and the duty being carried out. Chapter 3 of the HSE publication entitled Terms and Conditions of Employment (May 2009) deals with the after hours attendance arrangements and payments for such which generally apply in the public health service. I have asked that a copy of this publication be sent to the Deputy, for his information.