Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 October 2022
265. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated cost to the Exchequer to bring the pay of workers in Section 56 organisations in line with public service pay agreements including Building Momentum and its potential successor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49031/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, I value highly the work of the community and voluntary sector across the country that provide services to and on behalf of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I am conscious of the extremely positive impact these organisations have on improving outcomes for children, young people and families all over Ireland.
The arrangements that Tusla enters into with a person or organisation for the provision of child and family services are subject to the provisions of Part 8 of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013.
Section 56 (14) is clear that Tusla's arrangements with such providers do "not give rise to an employment relationship between a service provider, its employees or agents on the one hand and the Agency on the other'.
Organisations commissioned to deliver services under Section 56 Service operate independently of Tusla and are responsible for their own internal resource management, including the terms and conditions under which their staff are employed. The remuneration of the staff of these bodies is therefore a matter for these organisations as employers.
Neither Tusla nor my Department are in a position to determine the pay of workers in Section 56 organisation as they are not public sector employees.
