Labour Court recommends filling 24 senior dental hygienist posts at HSE

The Labour Court recommended that the HSE fill 24 senior dental hygienist posts, including two already filled, in its dispute with the Irish Municipal, Public And Civil Trade Union. The recommendation was dated 16 May 2016. The union sought implementation of an agreement on a senior grade, saying dental hygienists lacked an appropriate grading structure. The HSE cited financial constraints and health-sector reorganisation, and said it could not be bound by the old agreement. The Court noted that the HSE agreed to introduce the grade in 2007 and recommitted in 2012 to implementing it when circumstances permitted. It recommended filling 24 posts and said outstanding matters could return to the Court after the parties’ national discussions.