Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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288. To ask the Minister for Health if emergency accommodation is provided by the HSE for nursing staff of St. Mary's Hospital in a building (details supplied); if so, the number of managers of the national ambulance service, NAS, who have used this accommodation facility in the past five years; the number of interns of the NAS who have used the facility in the past five years; if the attention of interns has been drawn to the fact that this facility is available; if not, the reason therefor; and the costs of using this facility [11582/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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289. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a national ambulance service, NAS, paramedic intern used accommodation in a campsite due to the fact that the intern could not afford to rent accommodation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11583/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I am not in a position to comment on individuals cases such as that outlined by the Deputy.

However, I can respond in general terms about forthcoming increases in public service pay which will benefit all employees, including intern grades. In 2017, the Government agreed an overall Public Service Stability Agreement with public sector unions which sees very significant increases in public service pay, including for intern grades.

From January 2018, public service staff received a 1% pay rise with a further 1% increase in October 2018. In addition, staff earning up to €30,000 received a further 1% rise in January 2019. Pay increases still to come include a 1.75% cent increase in September 2019 for all staff. A further rise of 0.5% will be put in place for those on salaries of up to €32,000 in January 2020. Finally, all staff will get an additional 2% increase in October 2020.