Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 September 2023
286. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the current progress regarding the HSE recognising the NASRA as a union with collective bargaining rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42030/23]
View answerFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of all ambulance staff across the country, including those who are represented by NASRA.
It is important to note that the Department of Health has had a long-standing objective of avoiding fragmentation in worker representation in public sector employments and in the trade union movement generally. Less fragmentation facilitates the orderly conduct of bargaining and other aspects of industrial relations. As such, for public service ambulance grades in the health sector, it is SIPTU and UNITE that have negotiating rights with the HSE and the National Ambulance Service. While individuals have a right to membership of any trade union, including NASRA, this membership is not required to be facilitated or recognised by their employer.
The HSE and the National Ambulance Service will continue to engage with SIPTU and UNITE in relation to the public service ambulance grades they represent.
