Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022
194. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the engagement that he has had with an organisation (details supplied) and workers in the wider community sector prior to their industrial action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37519/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to acknowledge the important work carried out by those employed by Section 39 organisations right across the country, including those working for the Irish Wheelchair Association.
Minister Rabbitte met with ICTU representatives on November 23rd, accompanied by Department of Health officials in relation to the pay and working conditions of Section 39 organisations. She then met with the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers at its request in April. The National Federation presented a paper on the issue of Section 39 pay parity. It must be noted that the Irish Wheelchair Association is not a member of this federation.
Minister Rabbitte met with local Irish Wheelchair Association services in both Galway and Longford in recent months, where a number of different issues were discussed.
The Irish Wheelchair Association, along with other Section 39 organisations, is privately owned and run and their terms and conditions of employment, once in line with employment legislation, are strictly between private sector employers and their employees. These organisations were not and are not party to the Public Service Agreements. Consequently, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on pay or terms and conditions of employment within the private sector.
