Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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271. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how much additional funding would have to be allocated to Section 39 bodies in 2024 to provide for pay parity with similar grades in the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45946/23]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The sustainability and stability of health and social care sectors and the impact of industrial action on essential services is a concern for Government.

Following intensive talks under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), parties to the process, including the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth and the Department of Health, reached a pay agreement with Unions representing Section 39, Section 56 and Section 10 organisations.

The agreement, which unions have indicated will be put to their members, proposes an 8% increase in pay over three phases:

An increase of 3% from April 1st 2023

An increase of 2% from 1st November 2023

An increase of 3% from March 2024.

In addition, agreement was reached to commence a process to consider appropriate further funding increases, having regard to Building Momentum and any successor public sector pay agreement.

The Government is committed to the expansion of services for people with disabilities. The Disability Action Plan was approved by Government in July of this year and is currently being prepared for publication. It aims to progressively address unmet need by enhancing and reforming services.