Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
640. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his plans to avert further industrial action by medical scientists by ensuring pay parity and better working conditions for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27282/22]
View answerFirstly, I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to the dedication, professionalism and commitment of all medical scientists throughout the country. Their drive and dedication have been key components in our managing of the pandemic.
I acknowledge the MLSA’s claim for pay parity between medical scientists and clinical biochemists. As you are aware, the current public service agreement, Building Momentum 2021-2022, includes the process of Sectoral Bargaining, to address outstanding claims such as this one. Despite continued engagement between the MLSA and Health management since November 2021, and several proposals being explored, it has not been possible to agree a route to fully resolve the longstanding claim due to insufficient funds being available through Sectoral Bargaining.
This matter was escalated through the dispute resolution mechanisms under Building Momentum and considered twice by the Public Service Agreement Group (PSAG) on 31 March and 11 May. PSAG recommended that this matter be referred to the WRC for urgent engagement and that industrial peace be maintained. The MLSA met with Health management on May 17th at the WRC, however, no resolution was reached.
I welcome that the MLSA has suspended their strike action and that the issue has been referred to the Labour Court on May 25th for an exploratory engagement. I would encourage all parties to continue to utilise all of the State's industrial relations machinery to resolve this matter.
