The Labour Court recommended that Waterford Probation Residence concede the Irish Municipal, Public And Civil Trade Union’s claim for Saturday, Sunday and public-holiday allowances for house parents. It recommended retrospective payment from 1 July 2000. The recommendation was signed on 13 August 2001. The union said the staff should receive benefits comparable to those in similar organisations. Management said their salaries covered unsocial hours and budget limits prevented the requested payments.