Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
634. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the disparity in pay and conditions between section 38 and section 39 workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22907/24]
View answerFollowing many months of extensive negotiations in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), an agreement was reached in October 2023 which saw an increase in funding for pay of staff in Section 39 organisations. An overall increase of 8% was agreed phased with an initial increase of 3% backdated to April 2023, a 2% increase from 1st November 2023 and a further increase to be implemented on 1st March 2024.
It is important to acknowledge the vital role that these organisations and their staff play in our health and social care sectors. They continue to have a key role in providing services to people with disabilities, vulnerable children, older people and in other social care settings. Government has a clear interest in ensuring the stability and sustainability of these services.
The objective of the HSE is to ensure all employees can access their entitlements under the WRC agreement. They have already made significant payments to qualifying organisations and continue to work with each of the organisations to ensure payments are made without delay. The Department is continuing to engage with the Unions on this process.
It is important to remember that these are private employers and, as such, the government has no authority or ability to change the terms and conditions for these workers.
