Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2018
411. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health the situation regarding the continued refusal of the HSE to facilitate payroll deductions of union subscriptions for new members of a trade union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/18]
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.
