Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 September 2022
412. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will ensure that those workers in Section 56 agencies, who were subject to the same pay cuts as Section 39 agencies, who have not had their pay restored, will receive a much-needed pay increase in line with inflation and the cost of living. [45942/22]
View answerAs Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, I am conscious of the impact the community and voluntary sector have on improving outcomes for children, young people and families all over Ireland. To support these activities, additional funding was provided in Budget 2022 to enable Tusla to increase its supports to the community and voluntary sector.
Section 56(14) of the Child and family Agency Act 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'. Section 56 service providers, therefore, operate independently of my Department and of Tusla and are responsible for the recruitment of their own employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed. The remuneration of these staff is therefore a matter for these organisations.
