Health Services Staff

Wednesday, 10 July 2024

Questions (414)

Michael Lowry

Question:

414. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the reason, despite the recommendations for the implementation of the recommended salary increment for clinical nurse manager 2, as suggested by the expert review body on nursing and midwifery, the salary increment has not been applied to clinical nurse specialists, particularly those working in community palliative care in south Tipperary, and what steps are being taken to address this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30441/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I would like to acknowledge the very important part that Clinical Nurse and Midwife Specialists (CNS/CMS) play in our health sector. They have a key role in the effective coordination of care for patients in our Health Service. The Department of Health is committed to the continued and ongoing development and support of the CNS and CMS roles going forward.

Recent increases applied to the Clinical Nurse/ Midwife Manager 2 (CNM/CMM) scale were a result of the implementation of recommendation 45 of the Expert Review Body (ERB) on Nursing and Midwifery.I understand that there are calls for the CNS/CMS grades to also be included in the implementation of recommendation 45 of the ERB. While I understand that the salary of the CNS/CMS role has historically been aligned with the CNM 2/CMM 2 role, the terms of reference for the ERB did not incorporate the CNS/CMS for pay related considerations.

I can advise that my officials are actively with the Department of Public Expenditure on this matter.