Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
265. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for clarification and assistance with a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45814/23]
View answerI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important matter on behalf of service users and members of the Irish Wheelchair Association, which Government has been working intensively to resolve over the past number of weeks and months.
The sustainability and stability of health and social care sectors and the impact of industrial action on essential services is a concern for Government.
I am particularly 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.
Following intensive talks under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), parties to the process, including the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Department of Health, reached a pay agreement with Unions representing Section 39, Section 56 and Section 10 organisations.
The agreement, which unions have indicated will be put to their members, proposes an 8% increase in pay over three phases:
An increase of 3% from April 1st 2023
An increase of 2% from 1st November 2023
An increase of 3% from March 2024.
In addition, agreement was reached to commence a process to consider appropriate further funding increases, having regard to Building Momentum and any successor public sector pay agreement.
The Government is committed to the expansion of services for people with disabilities. The Disability Action Plan was approved by Government in July of this year and is currently being prepared for publication. It aims to progressively address unmet need by enhancing and reforming services.
