Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 4

Written Answers. - Family Support Services.

Brendan Howlin

Question:

93 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the disparity in pay rates of family support workers in different health board regions; his views on whether there should be a common national rate of pay for this important category of care worker; if he has met representatives of SIPTU to discuss the claim of family support workers to have a national pay rate on a par with that of assistant house parent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6389/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I would like to state at the outset that my Department recognises the valuable role played by family support workers in supporting people in the home.

My Department does not currently set a national pay rate for this group since the role and responsibilities of these workers has been developed individually by each of the health boards resulting in a disparity in the terms and conditions.

However, I understand that, following the lodgement of a national pay claim, the Health Service Employers Agency has met with SIPTU. The matter continues to be dealt with through the normal industrial relations process and SIPTU has recently referred the matter to the Labour Relations Commission seeking a conciliation conference.