Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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165. To ask the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the pay issue, the fact that Irish nurses and midwives work longer hours than many of their international counterparts and the need to address staff shortages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38213/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Government values nurses and midwives in our public health service for their dedication and professionalism. They are key to the day to day operation of health services.

In relation to pay, the Public Service Pay Commission (PSPC) Report was recently published. However, it was not within their remit to determine an increase in basic pay.

The PSPC has recommended that the qualification allowance and location allowance should be increased by 20% on the same terms that currently apply and that these allowances should be extended to midwifery on the same basis. They also recommended that the eligibility for nurses and midwives to attain the grade of senior staff nurse/midwife should be reduced to 17 years from 20 years. These proposals are being progressed with the relevant parties with a view to an early conclusion.

Under the Haddington Road Agreement it was agreed by all Parties to increase working hours of all public servants including nurses and midwives. Nurses and midwives were provided with an option to retain their 37.5 hours per week however this is with a consequential reduction in salary.

The HSE is committed to filling all vacant nursing and midwifery posts and a number of recruitment initiatives are underway to fill these posts.