I am aware that SIPTU has been engaging with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission in relation to the terms and conditions of its members who are political support staff of Oireachtas Members. The staff in question are employed in the Houses of the Oireachtas by individual TDs and Senators.
The Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act, 2003 requires the Commission, in relation to secretarial facilities, to obtain my consent before reaching an agreement with any person in relation to rates of pay, conditions of employment or superannuation.
My officials met officials from the Commission to consider the issues in advance of the conciliation conference on 20th April 2021 at the WRC. In line with general practice in respect of WRC hearings/conciliation conferences where my Department is not the employer, my officials did not attend the WRC conciliation conferences in relation to this matter and it is not expected that they would attend in future. My officials will, however, continue to engage with officials from the Oireachtas as appropriate.