Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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1008. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the independent review of low pay in section 39 organisations will commence as committed to in the 2025 WRC agreement; if she will take measures to ensure that all section 39 workers, including those delivering PA and homecare services, are included in all increases committed to in the WRC agreement, and that future changes to funding arrangements such as the authorisation scheme will not result in some of the lowest paid but most essential workers being excluded from the increases negotiated in the agreement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47573/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The agreement reached at the WRC in March this year, between Government Departments and unions, includes funding for a 9.25% pay increase for workers grant funded community and voluntary health and social care organisations. The agreement recognises that staff in these organisations, delivering services on behalf of the State, should be fairly paid for the vital work they do.

In a landmark step by this Government, the proposed agreement also includes an automatic link to future public sector pay agreements for these workers, to match all future pay increases. The parity of treatment provided for in this Agreement is an important step forward for workers.

Funding for services commissioned through tendering arrangements are not covered in this agreement as these are separately contracted with relevant providers. As noted in the agreement, related considerations can be dealt with through the existing procurement processes.

An Implementation and Monitoring Group, which is chaired by the WRC, has been established to enable the funding agencies, employer and staff representatives address any delays or issues arising in the implementation of the agreement. The group has met on three occasions to date.

As part of the agreement a comprehensive data gathering exercise will be undertaken on the pay and funding arrangements in the sector, to progress pay issues that affect the delivery of services and the long-term viability of organisations. The parties agreed that this exercise is crucial in order to create a shared understanding of the sector, particularly in regard to low pay. Initial discussions have commenced on the data gathering exercise and this will be progressed with the support of the relevant Departments.

It is important to note that the Departments are not the employers, and the terms and conditions of employment for staff in these organisations are ultimately determined between the employer and their employees.