Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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118. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he has had or if he is planning to have discussions with the Minister for Health regarding the planned industrial action of Section 39 workers and similarly the recent ballots for industrial action by other health workers in relation to the 'pay and numbers' strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5111/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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My officials have regular ongoing engagement on a wide range of issues with their counterparts in both the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, with whom the responsibility of Section 39 workers rest, and the Department of Health and the HSE who have responsibility for health sector workforce issues.

Government recognises the essential work carried out by staff both in the Health Sector and in community and voluntary health and social care organisations.

The Programme for Government commits to working with the voluntary sector through industrial relations mechanisms and other processes to progress issues that affect the delivery of disability services and the long-term viability of organisations within the sector.

It is important to note that section 39 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.

This Government is also committed to ensuring adequate and safe staffing across our health service, ensuring that the workforce keeps pace with population and demographic changes.

I understand there are processes of engagement currently underway in relation to both of these issues.

If the Deputy requires further details, they can be provided by the relevant Minister.