Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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205. To ask the Minister for Health the action he and the HSE are taking to address the implementation of the pay rises recommended by a job evaluation scheme under the PSSA for almost 10,000 health support staff and to avoid disruption to the health service arising from the alleged failure to ensure that the HSE enters services negotiations in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24591/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On 5 June 2019, SIPTU announced that up to 10,000 SIPTU members working as support staff in 38 hospitals and health care facilities will engage in industrial action for a 24 hour period on Thursday 20 June 2019.  SIPTU have advised the HSE of a further 5 dates of action to take place on 25 and 26 June and 2, 3 and 4 July.

In 2017, the LRA Oversight Body considered the approval of the Job Evaluation Scheme and recommended that the parties should proceed with the scheme as planned.  It advised that the question of implementing the outcome of the exercise will be considered by the parties at the conclusion of the exercise.

The Oversight Body is responsible for overseeing the industrial peace requirements of the Public Service Stability Agreement 2018-2020 and addressing major disputes that may arise. The Oversight Body is representative of Public Service Unions and Associations and made up of representatives of the Public Services Committee of ICTU (including representation from SIPTU) and representatives of Public Service Employers ( who are represented by Senior Officials from DPER).

The dispute has been referred to the Oversight Body  which is expected to meet shortly in relation to the matter.  It is hoped that the parties can engage constructively to reach agreement and avoid industrial action.