Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the current position of Health Service Executive and SIPTU engagement regarding home help contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53752/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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On 29 June 2012, the Labour Court recommended that the HSE and SIPTU should engage in relation to matters concerning home help contracts and that in the event that there are any outstanding issues, they may be referred back to the Court. The HSE engaged with SIPTU concerning the recommendation and advised that as part of the process it would be undertaking an information-gathering exercise to ascertain the up-to-date position regarding the nature of the contracts held by home helps and the hours worked under such contracts. This exercise is currently at an advanced stage.

Having met with the parties again on 15 October 2012, the Labour Court recommended that they should re-engage under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC). The parties met under the auspices of the LRC on 19th November. Management gave a commitment to the LRC that it would be undertaking an immediate comprehensive examination of the home help service and would have resultant proposals finalised by mid-January. It would not be appropriate for me, as Minister, to comment further given that the issues are being addressed through the State's industrial relations machinery.