Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 January 2018
659. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the unwinding of the FEMPI cuts imposed on employees of section 39 organisations; the progress being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54800/17]
View answer660. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to his Department and the HSE to ensure that the section 39 pay restoration will take place in compliance with the Labour Court ruling in the case taken by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55155/17]
View answer717. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the cost of restoring section 39 grants to pre-2008 levels in order to account for pay restoration in section 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54570/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 659, 660 and 717 together.
Whilst it is understood that pay cuts were implemented in many section 39 organisations, it is not clear if these cuts were applied in a universally consistent manner across all section 39 agencies. So while staff may have been subject to cuts, it is not known if the cuts were to the same extent as those applied to public servants. There are significant cost implications to be considered. Also, staff in these organisations are not public servants and, as such, are not entitled to the pay restoration provided for in the Public Service Agreements. Indeed, the issue of public servant status for the employees of such organisations is an issue which goes beyond the health sector with far reaching implications across the public sector as a whole.
However, I am continuing to engage with my colleague, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, in an effort to find a way to address this complex situation.
