Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
327. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with an organisation (details supplied) which recently commenced phased industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46595/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSIPTU is recognised by the HSE and has negotiating rights for ambulance grades employed by the Executive. As a result, the HSE deducts subscriptions at source for those ambulance staff that are members of that union. However, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights.
Whilst individuals have a right to membership of any trade union, if they choose to join an association which is not recognised by their employer, such membership is not facilitated by their employer. This means that the HSE does not facilitate deduction of union subscriptions for this particular Association.
In relation to the phased industrial action, I can confirm that the National Ambulance Service are monitoring the situation closely and have put contingency plans in place to mitigate the risk of any potential disruption to service.
