Market is more free for TDs than for nurses

MARY HARNEY and her cheerleaders in the media often call for the application of “free market disciplines” to the public service.

OK, let’s do it.

Nurses, after spending four or more years at university, are paid a starting salary of €31,000 for a 39-hour week, including weekend and night rosters. Result: 30% of nurses leave within two years and the HSE spends vast amounts trawling the world to recruit foreign nurses to fill the vacancies.

Government ministers, who need no qualifications, get about €200,000 per year, including tax-free allowances and numerous special increases, for a working week which seems to allow ample time for opening off-licences and canvassing for the next job. Result: no vacancies and a huge list of applicants vying for the lucrative positions.

Dessie Ellis

19 Dunsink Rd

Finglas

Dublin 11