Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While it is understood pay cuts were imposed on section 39 employees, often we are relying on anecdotal evidence as to how they were applied. Different measures such as increment freezes, pauses in recruitment and reducing staff numbers may also have been used. I was happy to hear the Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, advise the House that the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, had instructed the HSE to enter into a process of engagement with section 39 agencies in the health sector to establish the factual position on pay reductions and pay restoration. It is anticipated that this process will produce the necessary clarity, as well as transparency, and, ultimately, an agreed way forward for all parties involved. I also strongly support this move and hope it will bring about a resolution to avoid what none of us wants, namely, industrial action.

I have devoted my time as Minister of State with responsibility for services for older people to working towards developing improved services and increasing investment. Overall funding for older person services will increase from €763 million in 2017 to €811 million in 2018. This additional funding was hard fought for and I am aware of our responsibility, as public representatives, to ensure the best value is achieved for this money.

There is no dispute or disagreement about the contribution made by the workers of section 39 charities to the well-being of citizens. Every side of the House acknowledges, appreciates and recognises the work and contribution they make. It will take time to evaluate fully what happened in section 39 agencies. There is disparity across the agencies as a blanket pay cut was not applied. Staff in many of them may have had one, but others may not. We are looking for time to enter into the process to engage with all section 39 organisations, as the Minister has instructed the HSE to do. In its motion Solidarity-People Before Profit call for a detailed analysis to be undertaken of what happened during the financial downturn. I appeal to Deputies on all sides to work with us to ensure we wo;; have a speedy, right, proper and moral resolution of this issue.

See this speech in context