Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
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584. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the HSE will not facilitate the deduction of union subscriptions at source for the growing number of ambulance service personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35481/18]

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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604. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address the continued refusal of the HSE to facilitate payroll deductions of union subscriptions for new members of a union (details supplied); the reason for its refusal to deduct union subscriptions at source for the growing numbers of ambulance service personnel that wish to join the union and exercise their fundamental right to organise and join their union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35551/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 584 and 604 together.

SIPTU is recognised by the HSE and has negotiating rights for ambulance grades employed by the Executive.  As a result, the HSE deducts subscriptions at source for those ambulance staff that are members of that union. 

However, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights. Whilst individuals have a right to membership of any trade union, if they chose to join an association which is not recognised by their employer, such membership is not facilitated by their employer.  This means that the HSE does not facilitate deduction of union subscriptions for this particular Association.