Private nursing agencies are offering to supply nurses to hospitals and health boards at £540 each to work the night shift on New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, there is uncertainty about millennium pay arrangements at the ESB and in Aer Lingus, where pilots are threatening industrial action.
Two of the State's largest private nursing agencies, Nurse on Call and Alliance, have confirmed the £540 price tag as disagreement continues on the question of special pay for staff nurses in hospitals.
It is understood the Department of Finance has vetoed any concession of payments above normal bank holiday premiums for doctors, nurses, manual, clerical and administrative staff required. It fears any special rate agreed with health staff will lead to claims from gardai, prison officers and civil servants.
If nothing else, the agencies have provided a point of reference. Normally they charge £200 for nurses working on bank holidays, which includes the agency commission.
Talks resume this morning to resolve the dispute over millennium pay in the ESB. The chief union negotiator, Mr Denis Rohan of the ATGWU, said time was fast running out to find a solution. It was incumbent on all concerned to try and reach agreement today, he said.
A ballot of Aer Lingus pilots for strike action over a pay claim, including millennium premiums and annual leave, is due to be counted today. The pilots are expected to vote overwhelmingly for action.