Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit. I have raised this matter on a number of occasions. From my file I see that in February 2013, I raised the matter of the two Labour Court recommendations that gratuity payments be made in lieu of pension entitlements to a cohort of home help workers that are funded in the main by the HSE. In the intervening period, we have had some changes in the health service. I have continuously corresponded with the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, on this matter. In February of this year, we got a little bit of light when he informed me following further correspondence to him:

My Department in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE has initiated a review of the matter involving the Department's legal advisers. It is expected that this will conclude in March 2015.

That did not happen. I raised the matter again as a Commencement matter in the Seanad. I was told that in line with the discussions that were happening around the new pay deal with the public and Civil Service, it was being looked at again and that a conclusion would be reached by September 2015. I am obviously very anxious that these low-paid workers get what they are entitled to. In some instances, it will run into a few thousand euro. It is not an insignificant sum. I think everyone will agree that home help workers carry out a crucial role on the front line of our health service in caring for our sick, elderly and infirm at home. I do not think we can allow a situation to persist where what the Labour Court recommended in 2009, one of two recommendations I might add, that they are entitled to these payments, should be withheld any further.

I hope the Minister of State will have some good news for me today. We were told that this issue would be effectively resolved by September 2015. It is not a substantial sum of money. From the calculations my party colleagues and I have done, we are looking at a figure of between €12 million and €15 million countrywide but it might not even be that much. The recommendation has been made and the workers are entitled to this money.

I thank the Minister of State for her presence and look forward to her response.