Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I recognise her point about the general round of pay increases. She touched on the main issue, that of the job evaluation scheme, which is the least fair aspect. These workers feel that the evaluation has not been fair on them and their work. We all accept that they are front-line workers. They are continuing to do the work they did during the pandemic. For many people, we are in a different place where Covid-19 is concerned, but people working in a hospital, especially in housekeeping, and disinfecting and cleaning rooms, are still doing the same job they did during the height of the pandemic.

Another concern occurred to me when I looked into this matter. Housekeeping staff are being told that, if they move to a different position, they will qualify for the pay increase under the new evaluation scheme. Will this lead to a privatisation or contracting out of housekeeping work once the staff have moved to new roles? I am seeking an assurance from the Minister of State. Staff should not have to move to new roles - that is unfair - but if grocery inflation is, according to RTÉ tonight, running at 13.4% and general inflation is running at 9%, a worker who sees a pay increase elsewhere will feel pressurised into moving roles. That is not right. These workers need and deserve a pay increase. If possible, will the Minister of State look into this matter under the evaluation scheme and will she guarantee that these jobs will not be privatised in the long run?

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