Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 February 2019
354. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the action he plans to take to prevent the upcoming ambulance dispute strikes on 28 February and 1 March 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9364/19]
View answer355. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE continues to decline an invitation from a union (details supplied) to attend the WRC to find a solution to the ongoing dispute contrary to his preference for negotiation in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9365/19]
View answer383. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health his plans to prevent the upcoming ambulance dispute strikes on 28 February and 1 March 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9508/19]
View answer384. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE continues to decline an invitation from a union (details supplied) to attend the WRC to find a solution to the ongoing dispute contrary to his indication that he would prefer negotiation in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9509/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 354, 355, 383 and 384 together.
SIPTU is the main union recognised by the HSE and has negotiating rights for frontline ambulance grades employed by the Executive. Unite and FORSA also represent some ambulance grades. As a result, the HSE deducts subscriptions at source for those ambulance staff that are members of those unions. However, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights.
Whilst individuals have a right to membership of any trade union, if they choose to join an association which is not recognised by their employer, such membership is not facilitated by their employer. This means that the HSE does not facilitate the deduction of union subscriptions for this particular Association.
While it is regrettable that the PNA has taken industrial action, it is not possible to negotiate with a union which is not recognised as having negotiating rights for ambulance grades. I have asked my Department to engage with the HSE to explore ways forward and see if we can progress a resolution to this dispute.
