Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are five grades at the moment for medical scientists, namely, basic scientist, senior scientist, chief scientist, specialist scientist and laboratory manager, ranging from €34,429 to €95,320. There is an anomaly, as we discussed yesterday, although it applies only in the first year. The grade of medical laboratory aide was moved up at a time when that of medical scientist was not, so there is an overlap. It amounts to only €82 for the entire year, which is very small and applies only for the first year. Nevertheless, it is an anomaly and these issues need to be examined.

To the wider point, many people in the country face very serious pressures, such as those relating to inflation and housing. There are many wider aspects to this. In the realm of healthcare at least, we want to see a resolution to this that will address the various issues raised by MLSA members.

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