The Labour Court recommended further talks between the Dept. of Health & Children and the Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union over pay and grading arrangements for child-care staff. The recommendation was signed on 17 December 2004. The union challenged how Circular 39/2001 was applied, including qualification rules, temporary staff, transfers between locations and movement onto new pay scales. The department said it had followed the agreed arrangements. The Court preferred further direct talks, with help from an Industrial Relations Officer if needed. If matters remained unresolved by 28 February 2005, either side could return to the Court for recommendations.