The Labour Court recommended that HSE Dublin North East, the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union and Unite meet to agree how the national structured-leave agreement applies to short-notice sick-leave cover. The recommendation was signed on 19 May 2011. The unions said a 2005 local agreement allowing rostered staff to cover short absences on premium pay remained in effect; management argued that a 2007 national framework had superseded it. The Court recommended that the parties seek a shared understanding within eight weeks, with current arrangements continuing in the meantime.