Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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257. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason some organisations and workers are being excluded from the section 39, section 56 and section 10 pay deal agreed in October 2023; the number of relevant organisations and workers currently excluded from this deal; the number included; the status of talks to resolve this issue with unions representing workers in these sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37106/24]

Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Government recognises the essential work carried out by staff in community and voluntary health and social care organisations, and the reliance of the State on their employer organisations to deliver essential supports and services to many citizens.

The agreement reached last October at the WRC culminated in funding being provided for an 8% increase in pay for workers in organisations who provide services funded under Section 39, 56, 10 or 40 of relevant Acts.

The Department secured additional funding of €14m in 2023 and a further €41m in 2024 for Section 39 disability organisations to meet pay costs aligned to the October Agreement. This funding is currently being administered to eligible organisations by the HSE.

A significant number of Section 39 claims have required extensive engagement to confirm the information necessary to support claims for additional funding.

It is the objective of commissioning agencies to make all due payments without delay so that employees of these service provider organisations can access their entitlements without delay. There is also a responsibility of employers to apply for this available funding and pass on increases to eligible staff as soon as possible.

In line with the October Agreement, and following agreement of a subsequent public sector pay deal, relevant Departments, agencies, employer representatives and unions reconvened for preliminary talks at the WRC on 14 May. Substantive talks resumed at the WRC on 24 June, 22 July, 26 July, 02 August, 30 August and most recently 06 September.

While progress has been made, there are a number of issues to be resolved in relation to the funding streams and staff who will be covered within the scope of any new agreement. The talks are paused to allow the parties review their positions with a view to developing solutions to these challenges, within the complexity and constraints of current funding arrangements between government departments, commissioning agencies and organisations in the sector.

The Departments consider that the WRC process can still yield a significant benefit for workers in these organisations, support the sustainability of the health and social care sectors, and assist employers in recruiting and retaining staff. The Departments remain available to return to talks under the auspices of the WRC. In the meantime communication between the Departments and Unions is ongoing.