Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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331. To ask the Minister for Health if he will reinstate the Gaeltacht allowance for all nurses working in Irish speaking areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14863/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In 2012 the Department of Expenditure and Reform conducted a review of allowances across the public service. Payment of a number of allowances, including the 'Gaeltacht Allowance' was ceased with effect from 1 February 2012, pending consideration of whether or not the allowances in question would continue to be paid, would be abolished, or be abolished for new entrants. The process involved consideration of business cases submitted by the relevant agencies/Departments on the allowances. Following completion of the review process including consideration of the business cases made, the 'Gaeltacht Allowance' was confirmed as one of a number of allowances abolished for 'new entrants' in September 2012.

During recent discussions with the INMO and SIPTU consideration was given to reinstating the Gaeltacht allowance for new entrant nurses however it was decided that this allowance would not be reinstated.