Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North-Central, Fianna Fail)
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629. To ask the Minister for Health if she intends on intervening on behalf of retired medical scientists who are currently excluded from pay parity with their colleagues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4288/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all Medical Scientists throughout the country, including those who have retired from the profession after years of commitment.

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.

The implementation of the binding determination of the Labour Court is set out in the Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026. Staff who retire beyond 1 January 2024, will receive the benefit of recommendation.