Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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676. To ask the Minister for Health if he, in conjunction with the HSE, will examine the current pay and travel expense arrangements for healthcare assistants, given the difficulties they are having in paying for their transport at present (details supplied). [6846/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In recognition of the increase in the cost of living, Building Momentum, the public service agreement, and its extension agreement runs from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2023. The original Agreement involved two general-round pay increases of 1% which were applied with effect from 1 October 2021 and 1 October 2022, along with an additional sectoral bargaining fund to deal with outstanding claims to be applied with effect from 1st February 2022.

The extension to Building Momentum provides for a further increase in basic salaries of 3% backdated to 2 February 2022, an increase of 2% from 1 March 2023, and an increase of 1.5% or 750 euro, whichever is higher, due on 1 October 2023.

Motor travel rates for public and civil sector staff are set centrally by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. These were revised in 2022 by that Department, and the circular setting out same is attached for information.