O'Donnell said, "The Court's recommendation gives full recognition to the fact that sleepover duty is working time. That recognition is a huge breakthrough for our members because it was very strongly resisted by employers. This recommendation means that, from today, nobody can be paid less than the minimum wage for sleepover duty. This is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our members working in these services, and we will be actively engaging with employers in this sector in order to ensure its full implementation."

SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Paul Bell, said that the recommendation marked the conclusion of a determined campaign by all of the trade unions involved. Bell added: "The next phase now will be to ensure that employers activate this recommendation with immediate effect. It is a really significant milestone for people working in the residential care sector as it gives full recognition to the challenges involved in the unique service they deliver, where sleepover duty is such an integral part of the residential care model."

Willie Quigley of Unite trade union said that members had fought long and hard for this kind of breakthrough. "We expect management now to implement the terms of this recommendation. Workers have waited long enough, I am delighted to see their position vindicated today" he said.