Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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305. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to reinstate the island allowance for nurses to encourage suitably qualified persons to take such positions on the islands in view of the extra cost of living on the islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49382/17]

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 'Island Inducement Allowance' was ceased with effect from 1 February 2012. This was pending consideration of whether or not the allowances in question would either continue to be paid, be abolished, or be abolished for "new entrants" only. Following completion of the review process including consideration of the business cases made, the 'Island Inducement Allowance' was confirmed as one of a number of allowances abolished for 'new entrants' in September 2012.

During discussions earlier this year with the INMO and SIPTU consideration was given to reinstating the Island Inducement allowance for new entrant nurses however it was decided that this allowance would not be reinstated. This remains the case.