Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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163. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware that retired medical scientists are excluded from the benefit of the pay parity award that was implemented on 1 January 2024 (details supplied); if there is a plan to ensure that these retired workers receive pay parity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18176/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of all Medical Scientists throughout the country.

Following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission back in May and June of 2022, agreement was reached to conduct an independent assessment of the role, responsibilities and pay of medical laboratory scientist grades. This assessment was undertaken by an independent assessor and the final report issued in January 2023. It was confirmed that medical laboratory scientists were performing the same duties as biochemists.

This long-standing matter has now been resolved through the Labour Court, which examined all relevant issues including the review of the grades involved. The Labour Court determination was explicit that the claim relating to pay parity was effective from 1 January 2024.

I can confirm that provision for the implementation of the binding determination of the Labour Court is set out in the new Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026. Circular 2/2024 has issued which instructs HSE management and HR personnel to implement the terms of the Labour Court recommendation from the effective date of 1 January 2024 and will impact all Medical Scientists in employment on or after 1 January 2024.