Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1491. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to respond to matters raised in correspondence from an organisation (details supplied); if he will meet with the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39231/23]
View answerI am aware that staff recruitment and retention challenges are affecting the sustainability and stability of section 39 and section 56 organisations and their ability to deliver services on behalf of the State. These challenges are mirrored in many of the health and social care professions across the country. The sustainability of the sector is a concern for both the Department and its agencies and we recognise the ability of these organisations to pay their staff is highly dependent on state funding. Similar considerations arise in respect of other sectors across Government adding to the complexity in seeking to resolve matters for any specific sector.
In view of our shared interest in the sustainability of services provided by these organisation, officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the Department of Health the HSE and Tusla attended a number of engagements with trade unions under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission over recent months. It should be noted that section 39 and section 56 organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment for staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and the employee. Employees of section 39 and section 56 organisation do not have an employment relationship with the HSE, Tusla or my Department.
At the end of July 2023, this process culminated in an offer being made in line with those accepted by community and voluntary staff in other sectors. The offer amounted to a 5% increase in funding for pay costs effective from November 2023, with 3% backdated to April 2023, and a clear commitment to re-engage with trade union representatives following future public sector pay agreements.
This offer was not accepted by trade union representatives and it is disappointing that the unions have instead elected to ballot for industrial action. While not pre-empting the outcome of the ballot, it is important to highlight the potential negative impact which industrial action would have on service users and their families. For this reason, I strongly encourage all parties to work collectively to resolve this matter through the appropriate channels and to avoid unnecessary impacts on persons who depend on these essential services.
In relation to the correspondence and request raised by the Deputy, I will be reverting directly to the organisation in question in the coming days.
