Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 November 2020
347. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to increase pay for healthcare assistants and other health and social care workers; if there has been any engagement from or with trade unions on the matter; the changes in rates of pay there have been for these workers over the past decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39265/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll public health sector staff, including health care assistants are paid in line with the rates set out in the Department of Health consolidated salary scales which are publicly available and can be viewed online here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/5eb5e-1-october-2020-consolidated-pay-scales/
Adjustments to rates of pay across the public sector are generally agreed during a series of pay talks between trade unions and their representative bodies and the civil and public sector employer representatives during negotiations in advance of each Public Service Stability Agreement (PSSA).
Adjustments to rates of pay agreed between the parties generally apply to the full public health sector cohort of grades, in return for a set of agreed productivity and efficiency measures.
Since 2016, a number of general increases to annualised salaries have been applied via public service agreements and the Public Service Pay and Pension Act 2017. These adjustments have been applied across all public health sector grades, as appropriate.
1.1.2016 - 1% increase to annualised salaries between €24,001 and €31,000.
1.4.2017 - €1,000 increase to annualised salaries up to €65,000
1.1.2018 - 1% increase to annualised salaries.
1.10.2018 - 1% increase to annualised salaries.
1.9.2019 - 1.75% increase to annualised salaries.
1.10.2020 - 2% increase to annualised salaries.
In addition to the above, the Lansdowne Road Agreement provided for a Job Evaluation scheme for support staff grades. This resulted in certain support staff grades, including the health care assistant, receiving an uplift to a higher pay band with effect from 1 September 2019.
I trust this information will be of assistance to the Deputy
