Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change)
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496. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in the implementation of the WRC agreement of October 2023 for the projects in the canal communities' alcohol and drugs task force (details supplied). [28369/24]

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, older people, and vulnerable members of our society.

Section 39 organisations are continuing to make submissions to the HSE for funding to cover relavant pay rises for staff. The HSE has already made significant payments to qualifying organisations and continue to work with each of the organisations to ensure payments are made without delay.

In relation to the specific question raised by the Deputy, I can advise that every effort is being made to ensure any eligible organisation receives the necessary funding to process pay rises for their staff.

As this process continues it has come to light that there are other community groups, who are funded through different pathways and although operating similarly, are not technically Section 39 organisations, such as local drug and alcohol taskforce groups, who have not been encompassed within the existing process. The Department is aware of the issue and is working to resolve this matter in a timely manner.