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Trade Union Recognition

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2019

Thursday, 28 February 2019

Questions (168, 169)

Martin Ferris

Question:

168. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the steps he plans to take to prevent the upcoming ambulance dispute strikes on 28 February and 1 March 2019. [10134/19]

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Martin Ferris

Question:

169. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE has continued to decline an invitation from a union (details supplied) to attend the WRC to find a solution to the ongoing dispute despite his indication that he would prefer negotiation to confrontation. [10135/19]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.

As I have stated before, 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 to see if we can progress a resolution to this dispute. These discussions are still ongoing.

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