Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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1572. To ask the Minister for Health if given the Labour Court Recommendation 22780 which awarded pay parity for medical scientists with biochemists, and which was implemented with the national wage agreement on the 1 January 2024, including for the pensions of those who retired after that date, she will take steps ensure that parity of pension entitlements is applied to medical scientists who retired prior to that date; if not, why not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11006/25]

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 new Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026. Circular 2/2024 has issued which instructs HSE management and HR personnel to implement the terms of the Labour Court recommendation from the effective date of 1 January 2024 to all staff in position from that date. Staff who retire beyond 1 January 2024, will receive the benefit of recommendation.