Labour Court recommends talks on permanent posts for temporary nurses

In 1996, the Labour Court recommended that the South Eastern Health Board discuss fairer arrangements for long-term temporary nurses applying for permanent posts with the Psychiatric Nurses Association and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union. The dispute followed an open competition for permanent staff nurse vacancies in Waterford Psychiatric Services. The Court found that long-term temporary nurses were at a serious disadvantage because service demands had prevented them from taking in-service training. It said their contribution to patient care meant they were treated unfairly. The Court's recommendation was dated 2 February 1996. It said the parties could consult the Department of Health and that it might issue a definitive recommendation if they could not agree.