Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. The Government recognises the essential work carried out by community and voluntary health and social care organisations and their staff and the reliance of the State on these organisations to deliver important supports and services in the communities we represent. The programme for Government commits to working with the voluntary sector through industrial relations mechanisms and other processes to progress pay issues affecting the delivery of disability services and the long-term viability of organisations within the sector.

Relevant Departments have proactively engaged with unions and employers on pay funding in a process facilitated by the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC. Talks at the WRC were adjourned around the time of the general election. Ministers in relevant Departments are seeking an early opportunity to restart engagement with unions and employers through the WRC to provide certainty to the sector as soon as possible.

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