Robert O'Donoghue (Dublin Fingal West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

372. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the process by which his Department assesses proposals from Tusla or the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to adjust allowances for high-risk or high-intensity services such as special care (details supplied); whether staff retention and service continuity are factored into such decisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54712/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department plays a key role in developing budgetary parameters and monitoring overall expenditure in line with the objectives of the Government and agreed fiscal policy. My Department is responsible for the sound management of public expenditure within the overall allocation agreed by Government. Each decision in relation to expenditure, recruitment and pay policy is taken not in isolation but balanced across an entire framework of expenditure. This involves monitoring and challenging individual departments so that the overall objectives of Government can be achieved.

The management of public service pay is rooted in a tradition of collective bargaining and a system of collective agreements, which is based on the voluntary nature for the industrial relations model in Ireland. These collective agreements play an important role in managing public service pay and disputes while maintaining industrial peace and certainty for the Exchequer.

Recent collective agreements, including the current Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, contain a “No Cost Increasing Claims” provision, which provides that the parties agreed that no cost increasing claims for improvements in pay terms and conditions of employment would be initiated or implemented during the timeframe of the agreement, other than provided for within the mechanism of the agreements.

These collective agreements are the starting point for decisions made by the Department in relation to the business cases received in relation to pay or related matters.

In its central role within government, the Department engages regularly with other government departments on policy development and proposal formulation. A key component of this collaborative process is the detailed evaluation of business cases that address a broad spectrum of issues which include pay and pension policy and other matters related to public expenditure management and ensuring value for money.

Following consideration of and engagement on proposals received from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, I approved the creation of a new grade which would apply to Tusla Special Care centres in September 2024. This new grade provides a promotion opportunity and longer career salary scale for Social Care Workers and Social Care Leaders in these Special Care centres, which should encourage staff retention over time.