Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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366. To ask the Minister for Health if he and the HSE will engage with a union (details supplied) to resolve the ongoing issues which have led to paramedics going on strike. [4072/19]

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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397. To ask the Minister for Health the actions he plans to take to resolve a dispute (details supplied). [4196/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 366 and 397 together.

SIPTU is recognised by the HSE and has negotiating rights for front-line 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 choose 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.

It is not possible to engage with the PNA as it is an organisation with no negotiating rights in respect of front-line ambulance personnel.