Pat Casey (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome and support the motion tabled by my Fianna Fáil colleague Deputy Dara Calleary to highlight the issue of pay restoration in section 39 organisations which must happen immediately if we are to have equal pay for equal work in the public service. Wicklow Community Services and the Ardeen Cheshire Home in Shillelagh are excellent examples of organisations that provide much needed support for vulnerable people and families in County Wicklow. These support services are excellent, with dedicated and hard-working staff. The Government has consistently washed its hands of the issue and dismissed this unjustifiable inequality for far too long. This has caused even more stress and frustration for section 39 organisation workers in County Wicklow. Staff feel undervalued and under-appreciated because of the dismissive attitude taken by the Government. This means that section 39 organisations are struggling to retain and recruit staff. Pay disparity is affecting the provision of vital services in County Wicklow, on which many people rely. It is also placing section 39 organisations under huge financial and service pressures and industrial action may occur in March unless there is a resolution. It is important to recognise that if section 39 organisations were to stop providing services, it would cost the State far more to provide them in County Wicklow and elsewhere and, in many cases, they would not be provided at all. It is time for fairness and immediate pay restoration.

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