John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Taoiseach about the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection's treatment of social welfare branch managers in 58 branches across the State. After committing to engage, and negotiate a new contract, with the branch managers last October, on reaching agreement on the remuneration aspect of the issues raised the Department ended the talks, refused to engage and put an outright end to negotiating with the branch managers' association, bizarrely citing competition laws, which makes no sense. The Minister, Deputy Regina Doherty, needs to put the proposed payment structure in place, as already agreed, treat the branch managers fairly with a contract that actually deals with the issues they have raised, and produce a revised list of the work and services they are expected to provide. The treatment of the branch managers has to be described as appalling. It is a sad reflection on Government and the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Will the Taoiseach ensure there is engagement with the branch managers, that the remuneration package, as agreed, will be rolled out and put in place and that all the other aspects that have been raised will be dealt with by him?

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