Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I spoke to the Tánaiste previously with regard to the need to eliminate the disparity in pay levels for employees of section 38 and section 39 organisations and those employed directly by the State such as by the HSE. People with similar qualifications and providing similar services on behalf of our State should not have such a differential in their pay. This pay gap issue needs to be resolved without further delay. In my own constituency, organisations such as Enable Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association have and continue to experience serious difficulties in recruiting and retaining employees who provide vital and essential services for persons with a disability or children with additional needs. Those children and adults need the appropriate supports and services now. Far too often people in need of early intervention do not, unfortunately, get access to relevant therapies in a timely manner. Long-term solutions are needed now to resolve such recruitment and retention problems and ensure services are provided for those in need in a timely manner.

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