Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. He stated there is a difference in the scope of the work being done. We recognise the work is not identical but it is broadly similar. I have spoken to a number of supervisors and there is little difference. Many workers from RSS and Tús progress onto CE schemes. A supervisor on a CE scheme after ten years gets about €42,000, while one an an RSS or Tús scheme gets about €35,000. There is a huge difference in pay. Furthermore, those on CE schemes, as the Minister of State mentioned earlier, get a gratuity on retirement, while there is nothing for RSS or Tús supervisors. There is a massive difference in pay and conditions for a small difference in the scope of the work they do. The Minister of State mentioned a 5% increase. That was welcome but it was across the board and does nothing for pay parity.

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