I propose to take Questions Nos. 947 and 948 together.
My Department has met with the HSE and the MLSA on a number of occasions in recent months. As the matters raised could not be resolved, the issues were referred to the WRC with a first meeting held on 17 November 2020.
The Department recognises the valuable role performed by Medical Scientists who are one of the health care professions whose work is critical in nature and at the forefront of Ireland's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department is considering the issues raised by the MLSA and is engaging with DPER in this regard.