Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 95: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the current industrial relations issues affecting the transfer of staff from the Health Service Executive to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12186/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The transfer of certain functions from the HSE to my Department is a major programme that has implications for important services and also affects, on a personal level, the staff delivering these services. Accordingly, the programme to implement the transfer is being managed in a careful and comprehensive manner.

In relation to the Industrial Relations considerations associated with this transfer, a specific industrial relations process has been put in place to manage this element of the transfer process. A Joint Liaison Group was established involving SIPTU, IMPACT, the HSE, the Department of Health and Children and my Department. My Department is also involved in discussions with the unions representing staff in the Department through the Departmental Council.

The Joint Liaison Group has met very intensively over the last six months. An independent chairman has been appointed to facilitate the negotiations. The relevant Departments including my own and the HSE are aiming to reach a collective agreement with the trade unions in relation to the transfer. There has been a productive and meaningful engagement by all the parties involved. While there has been progress on some issues during this process a number of issues remain to be resolved.

I am satisfied that the considerable level of consultation and engagement by my Department as well as the HSE and Department of Health & Children with the unions concerned will allow for all the issues of concern to be progressed.