Psychiatric nurses seek High Court review over changes to sick-pay conditions

The Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA) will seek leave for judicial review in the High Court today over changes introduced to sick-pay conditions it says will halve the entitlements of its members while others, including Central Bank employees and judges, will be exempt.

The PNA says the cuts could prove detrimental to the wellbeing of frontline workers given the health risks associated with their work, as well as to fire fighters attached to its affiliate organisation, the Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association.

Under the changes, which came into force in March, public servants will only be entitled to three months of full pay and three months of half pay in any four-year period. This represents a reduction from two six-month blocks of full and half pay for the same four-year period prior to the revisions.

The PNA maintains a number of groups, including the Defence Forces, the judiciary and employees of the Central Bank are not affected.

It also says there are serious concerns over the potential for a retroactive application of the rules which could see staff who had previously gone out on sick leave left with no cover for future incidents.

Today, the association will seek leave for a judicial review in the High Court of the decision made by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin to introduce new regulations by statutory instrument.

"Frontline public servants including psychiatric nurses and fire fighters, who by virtue of their role are exposed to a variety of health and injury risks, are extremely concerned the Minister decided to reduce by half the benefits available through the sick pay scheme," said general secretary Des Kavanagh.