Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised five key points relating to the contracts, travel time, rostering, the Organisation of Working Time Act being breached and the evaluation of hours. Of course, I will follow up on them and find out the latest position. I accept the Deputy's point that home helps provide an invaluable service to the most vulnerable members of our community, enabling the elderly and those suffering from chronic bad illnesses to remain in their homes and feel comfortable, safe and valued. There is no difference between us in this regard.

Since 2017, the HSE has engaged with SIPTU under a WRC conciliation process to review home help staff contracts. This review was provided for under the 2014 agreement. Understandably, home help co-ordinators who are represented by Fórsa - which is part of the problem - are concerned about the impact of the new agreement on their role and responsibilities. I welcome the fact that all parties are working together to progress matters and there has been ongoing engagement with Fórsa in this regard. I believe the proposals that have been put forward by the HSE to Fórsa, which have been accepted, will assist in allaying these concerns and ensuring that new contracts can be agreed and rolled out. However, I will bring the Deputy's concerns about the contracts, travel time, rostering, breaches of the Organisation of Working Time Act and the evaluation of the hours to the attention of the Minister.

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