Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 November 2023
58. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the ongoing dispute around the reopening of a job evaluation scheme between Tusla and the Fórsa trade union; to confirm if either he or his officials have met with representatives of Fórsa trade union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48403/23]
View answerMembers of staff working in the clerical and administrative functions of Tusla have an extremely important role. Their work facilitates and enables many of the agency’s functions, including arranging inter-agency and family meetings, processing work related to child protection referrals, and assisting with calls from members of the public.
Clerical and administrative staff members in grades III to VI are currently taking industrial action in the form of a work-to-rule, which began on 25 October. Discussions on this matter are ongoing between officials from my Department, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, and Tusla. While these discussions are underway it would be inappropriate for me to make further public comment, except to urge all parties to uphold the terms of the public service agreements, and to continue to work on resolving disputes through the appropriate dispute resolution forums, in the interests of those who rely on our child and family services.
