Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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1471. To ask the Minister for Health the status of discussions regarding pay increases and full pay restoration for section 39 workers and those who work in day care centres for the elderly and disabled; if he will consider communication from (details supplied); when funding will be provided to cover this organisation's annual wage increase of 5%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13693/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the important role that Section 39 organisations and staff play in our health sector. They have a key role in providing services to people with disabilities and older people.

A process of engagement to examine the pay of workers in Community and Voluntary organisations was committed to by the Government in October 2022.

While the Government has committed to a process, it is worth noting that Section 39 organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment of staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and the employee.

The Department notes that this is a cross-sectoral issue and cannot be taken in isolation.