17/08/2016
Allowance Payment Agreement Reached For Mental Health Nurses
A payment schedule for a community allowance for mental health nurses has been secured by SIPTU nursing representatives.
The agreement was made at talks between the union and HSE management at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Tuesday, 16 August.
Speaking after the talks, SIPTU Organiser, David Field, said: "SIPTU representatives have worked hard to ensure our members in the mental health services are recognised for the massive contribution they make. Central to this has been agreement on a payment recognising the crucial role of mental health nurses within the community.
"Over the last number of weeks, SIPTU representatives have worked hard to convince the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the reapplication of this essential allowance using the same formula agreed for other groups in the public service."
He added: "Today, it was agreed that the first half of this payment will be made to our members on the 1st September this year. The remainder of the allowance will be provided to members in January 2017.
"Such a payment is badly needed and the failure to provide one has, without doubt, negatively impacted on the recruitment and retention of nurses working in mental health services."
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, and Minister of State for Mental Health, Helen McEntee, welcomed the announcement.
The Minister said it was a welcomed outcome that industrial action due to begin this morning (Wednesday) will now not go ahead and all other industrial action will cease with immediate effect.
The Ministers thanked the officials from both organisations, as well as the WRC, for their work in negotiating the positive outcome.
(MH/CD)
The agreement was made at talks between the union and HSE management at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on Tuesday, 16 August.
Speaking after the talks, SIPTU Organiser, David Field, said: "SIPTU representatives have worked hard to ensure our members in the mental health services are recognised for the massive contribution they make. Central to this has been agreement on a payment recognising the crucial role of mental health nurses within the community.
"Over the last number of weeks, SIPTU representatives have worked hard to convince the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the reapplication of this essential allowance using the same formula agreed for other groups in the public service."
He added: "Today, it was agreed that the first half of this payment will be made to our members on the 1st September this year. The remainder of the allowance will be provided to members in January 2017.
"Such a payment is badly needed and the failure to provide one has, without doubt, negatively impacted on the recruitment and retention of nurses working in mental health services."
The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, and Minister of State for Mental Health, Helen McEntee, welcomed the announcement.
The Minister said it was a welcomed outcome that industrial action due to begin this morning (Wednesday) will now not go ahead and all other industrial action will cease with immediate effect.
The Ministers thanked the officials from both organisations, as well as the WRC, for their work in negotiating the positive outcome.
(MH/CD)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 September 2014
Irish Association of Suicidology Say Stigma Is A Key issue
The President of the Irish Association of Suicidology has said that stigma is one of the key issues facing people when seeking assistance with mental and emotional health issues.
Irish Association of Suicidology Say Stigma Is A Key issue
The President of the Irish Association of Suicidology has said that stigma is one of the key issues facing people when seeking assistance with mental and emotional health issues.
11 October 2013
Spending On Mental Health Services Must be Ring-Fenced – Neville
Fine Gael Limerick TD and President of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Dan Neville, has called for the spending on mental health services to be ring-fenced in next week's Budget. Deputy Neville was speaking at the 17th Annual Conference of the Irish Association of Suicidology, which was held in L'Derry on Thursday.
Spending On Mental Health Services Must be Ring-Fenced – Neville
Fine Gael Limerick TD and President of the Irish Association of Suicidology, Dan Neville, has called for the spending on mental health services to be ring-fenced in next week's Budget. Deputy Neville was speaking at the 17th Annual Conference of the Irish Association of Suicidology, which was held in L'Derry on Thursday.
29 April 2016
Sinn Féin Condemns Decision To Cut Mental Health Budget
A decision by the government to remove €12 million from the mental health budget has been condemned by Sinn Féin's TD, Dessie Ellis. Speaking ahead of a protest held on Thursday, Deputy Ellis said: "People suffering with mental health issues are strong, they deal with great pressures every day but they need our support to survive and recover.
Sinn Féin Condemns Decision To Cut Mental Health Budget
A decision by the government to remove €12 million from the mental health budget has been condemned by Sinn Féin's TD, Dessie Ellis. Speaking ahead of a protest held on Thursday, Deputy Ellis said: "People suffering with mental health issues are strong, they deal with great pressures every day but they need our support to survive and recover.
20 February 2014
Seanad To Vote On Motion To Halt Closure Of Mental Health Units
Senators will today vote on a Fianna Fáil motion demanding an immediate halt to the closure of beds at mental health units in Ballinasloe and Tuam in Co Galway, and Glanmire and Shanakiel in Co Cork. The motion calls for a full, independent review of the decision to shut down the €3.
Seanad To Vote On Motion To Halt Closure Of Mental Health Units
Senators will today vote on a Fianna Fáil motion demanding an immediate halt to the closure of beds at mental health units in Ballinasloe and Tuam in Co Galway, and Glanmire and Shanakiel in Co Cork. The motion calls for a full, independent review of the decision to shut down the €3.
24 May 2012
Independent Panel To Decide On John Gallagher Case
Legal experts have said that an independent panel of doctors and experts will be tasked with deciding whether John Gallagher ought to be further detained, following his return to the Central Mental Hospital.
Independent Panel To Decide On John Gallagher Case
Legal experts have said that an independent panel of doctors and experts will be tasked with deciding whether John Gallagher ought to be further detained, following his return to the Central Mental Hospital.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and bright start. However, it will turn wet and very windy during the day, strong to gale force southeasterly winds developing, severe gales around the Irish Sea coast by the end of the afternoon. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Wet and very windy this evening, gusts of 50 to 60mph likely, reaching 70mph around the Irish Sea coast. Winds then turning into the southwest and easing. Minimum temperature 10 °C.