Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1448.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when information will issue to an employer to enable a former Section 39 worker (details supplied) to receive backpay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34847/24]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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This Government acknowledges the roles provided by essential workers in community and voluntary organisations who deliver health and social care services to many people across the country.

The sustainability of the sector is a concern for Government and we recognise the ability of these organisations to pay their staff is highly dependent on state funding. Similar considerations arise in respect of other sectors across Government adding to the complexity in seeking to resolve matters for any specific sector.

The agreement reached last October committed to a significant increase of investment in the sectors, amounting to a phased 8% increase in funding for pay for staff in Section 39, Section 56 and Section 10 voluntary organisations. The HSE is currently in the process of administering funding to eligible organisations so they can meet the terms of this agreement.

The HSE has confirmed that Rehab Group's application for additional funding under the process was successful and additional funding was made available to the organisation. The Department has been clear that employer organisations that have received additional funding for pay, should pass on increases to eligible employees in line with the terms of the 17 October WRC Agreement without delay.

It is important to note however that these organisations are not public bodies and their staff are not public servants. They are independently operated. Terms and conditions of employment, once in line with employment legislation, are strictly between the organisations and its employees.