Since March, the HSE, the Health sector Trade Unions and the Department have engaged, up to twice weekly and as required, on all matters pertaining to the evolving COVID-19 public health emergency. This engagement has been constructive in progressing industrial relations issues that have arisen since the beginning of the pandemic.
With regard to the public health doctors, my Department and the HSE are committed to the early introduction of a future model for public health medicine encompassing the establishment of Consultant in Public Health Medicine roles, as provided for in the Programme for Government.
My Department and the HSE are working intensively to finalise this framework, having regard also to the immediate model required in response to the pandemic. Engagement with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform will also be required. I note the decision of the IMO to ballot on industrial action in relation to consultant status for public health specialists.
In relation to medical scientists, officials from my Department and the HSE met with the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association (MLSA) on three occasions in recent months and I can confirm that my officials are engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to the matters raised by the MLSA.