Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Approximately €60 million of extra funding for disabilities was announced in the budget. How is this to be divvied out? Will it be used to bring pay parity to these section 39 workers, especially the staff of the Kerry Parents and Friends Association? The association has operated these services since 1978 and the individuals who work in it are suffering because of the increase in the cost of living, as is everyone else, and they are being left behind. There is a shortfall in funding for the Kerry Parents and Friends Association and I ask the Minister to address it. I appreciate that discussions have taken place and further discussions are to take place. However, I am also asking the Minister to ensure these valuable people get the €1,000 that has been paid to other staff in other sections of the HSE. They are definitely entitled to it, without a shadow of a doubt.

Section 39 workers do the very same work as section 38 workers. Why is a distinction made between them? All over the world, people fight equal rights. I am asking that the same rights be given to these section 39 workers, especially in the Kerry Parents and Friends Association in Killarney.

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