Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 February 2024
599. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health whether the recent decision in the parity claim of medical scientists with biochemists, which has put both categories on the same payscales from January 2024, will also apply to recent retiree medical scientists; and whether their pensions will also be brought to parity, particularly given the attempts to secure parity have been ongoing since 2002. [9212/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of all Medical Scientists throughout the country.
Following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission back in May and June of 2022, agreement was reached to conduct an independent assessment of the role, responsibilities and pay of medical laboratory scientist grades. This assessment was undertaken by an independent assessor and the final report issued in January 2023.It was confirmed that medical laboratory scientists were performing the same duties as biochemists.
This long-standing matter has now been resolved with the intervention of the Labour Court, who examined all relevant issues including the review of the grades involved. The Labour Court determination was explicit that the claim was effective from January 2024 making no determination of monies outside of this.
The binding determination of the Labour Court has now been incorporated into the presently proposed pay agreement negotiated in January 2024.
