Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his plans in regard to the new contracts for agency nurses. [7789/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) introduced new arrangements for contracting agency staff on 14 March 2011. The use of agency staff has always been a feature of the health system and will remain an ongoing requirement to fill short term vacancies and ensure continuity of service provision. Agency nurses are employed directly by the agencies that were successful in the HSE's tendering competition.

As the Deputy may be aware, the health sector trade unions objected to the new contract including the rates of pay. The matter was raised at the Health Sector Implementation Body established under the Public Service Agreement and was subsequently considered by the national level Implementation Body. As far as the rates of pay are concerned, the Implementation Body noted that a process of engagement between both the social partners at national level and the parties within the public service, on the implications on the utilisation, terms and conditions of Agency staffing, arising from the transposition due by December of this year of the Directive on Temporary Agency Work (2008/104/EC), should commence as soon as possible.

The Body also recommended that the parties should seek the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission in relation to implementation issues. The new contract for agency staff is part of the approved HSE service plan for 2011 and will deliver cost savings in excess of €40 million across the health sector, thus helping to protect services. In this regard, the contract negotiated by the HSE remains in place and it is my understanding that both parties will be attending the Labour Relations Commission.