Written answers

Thursday, 5 March 2020

Department of Health

Health and Social Care Professionals

Photo of Matt CarthyMatt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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491. To ask the Minister for Health if he has engaged with section 39 funded organisations here (details supplied) regarding the restoration of pay for staff in these facilities; his plans to engage with section 39 funded organisations in the future in relation to the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3545/20]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The WRC agreement reached in October 2018 in relation to pay restoration for section 39 organisations provided for pay restoration in relation to 50 ‘pilot organisations’ in the first instance.  Pay restoration for these bodies commenced in April of this year with further payments due in 2020 and 2021 as appropriate.

The WRC agreement also states:

“It is recognised that some of the remaining Section 39 organisations (estimated 250 approximately) are likely to have pay restoration issues and a process to address these will be agreed and the parties will commence engagement on this issue during 2019”.

There had been initial engagements in recent months between the parties on this matter under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission.  HSE management has indicated its willingness to undertake the preparatory work around implementation of pay restoration for this next group.  The HSE has also confirmed the following:

- A dedicated resource has been assigned to this work from January 2020

- They are considering which bodies might form a 'phase 2' of pay restoration

- It is intended to use the learning from the first 50 pilot organisations to streamline this process

However, despite the engagement that took place, it was not possible to reach an agreement.  Management remain available and committed to the process.

I have asked the HSE to directly respond to the Deputy in relation to any discussions they may have had with Steadfast House, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan.

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