Labour Court varies HSE appeal over four dental surgeons’ training and compensation

The Labour Court allowed the HSE’s appeal and varied a Rights Commissioner’s recommendation concerning four senior dental surgeons at Cork University Hospital. In a decision dated 13 June 2007, it recommended that they remain at their current grade, with paid time off and fee reimbursement for specialist training and career advancement, without loss of pay. It also recommended €5,000 compensation for each worker, citing the expectation of further training created by a 1993 advertisement. The workers, represented by the Irish Dental Association, said the HSE South had not provided the specialist training promised with their secondments, affecting their career progression and pay. The HSE said training opportunities were limited and that support and available opportunities had been offered.