Health Services Staff

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021

Tuesday, 29 June 2021

Ceisteanna (490)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

490. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the status of workers who have been transferred without their knowledge from a section 39 status organisation to a section 56 status which has had consequences for those workers earnings and conditions; when and the way in which this change was made; if it is intended to ensure sufficient funding and resources are available for Tusla and section 56 workers to allow for the reversal of FEMPI era cuts that have applied to public sector and section 38 and 39 employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26738/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under section 39 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE provides financial assistance to organisations by means of a grant. Section 39 legally underpins the provision of services similar or supplementary to a service that the HSE may provide. Staff in these section 39 organisations were not subject to the provisions of FEMPI legislation and therefore did not receive those cuts that were applied to the pay of public servants. They were not and are not party to the Public Service Agreements and are therefore not covered by the pay restoration provided for in these Agreements.

It would be inappropriate of the Minster for Health to comment on Section 56 organisations as they fall beyond his department's remit and are supported by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.