Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 July 2021
485. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views in relation to a document prepared by an organisation (details supplied) and submitted to Tusla; if he will provide a roadmap outlining the way he plans to bring about pay parity and pay restoration to those working in section 39 originations whose posts are funded by Tusla; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37182/21]
View answerI can confirm that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding to the organisation to which the Deputy refers. Over €1.13 million was provided by Tusla to the named organisation in 2020 for the provision of services to children and families.
Organisations in receipt of Tusla funding engage regularly with Tusla on funding or service issues, as appropriate. I am not aware of the document referenced by the Deputy, which by the Deputy's account was provided to Tusla directly as part of such an engagement.
Section 56 organisations provide services funded by Tusla under section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. These commissioned services fulfill Tusla's statutory responsibilities and deliver on the Agency's strategic objectives. These organisations operate independently of Tusla and are responsible for the recruitment of their employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed. Some organisations were funded by the HSE under section 39 of the Health Act 2004 prior to the establishment of Tusla in 2014.
Section 56(14) of the Act of 2013 stipulates that ‘an arrangement under this section shall not give rise to an employment relationship between a service provider, its employees or agents on the one hand and the Agency on the other.’ Tusla is not the employer of the staff of such organisations and the remuneration of these staff is a matter for their own employers.
The Minister is committed to working with colleagues in government, Tusla and other service delivery partners to address the sustainability of voluntary organisations and ensure that we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland.
