Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
727. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the industrial action of medical scientists (details supplied); his views on same; the steps he will take to resolve the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27774/22]
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 may be 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.
Following engagement at the Labour Court on May 25th , the parties have agreed to reconvene at the WRC for a further final engagement. This engagement will take place within a three week period. Any outstanding issues that cannot be resolved through the WRC process will be referred to the Labour Court. All industrial action will be suspended throughout the engagement process and pending any Labour Court Recommendation.
I welcome the engagement that took place through the Labour Court and the suspension of industrial action.
