Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Officials from the Departments of Health and Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, the HSE and Tusla were invited to attend a WRC process on 16 October 2023 following similar engagements with trade unions representing section 39 and section 56 bodies in recent months. Following productive engagements with the WRC, strike action was averted. This is a recognition of the importance and regard the Government and its agencies have for the sector. The commitment of all parties to this matter has been evident and is indicative of a collective recognition of the difficulties facing the sector.

While the Government has engaged in the process and agreement has been reached, it is worth noting section 39 and section 56 organisations are not public bodies and the terms and conditions of employment for staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and employee. Although it is not the employer, the Department is aware staff employed across hundreds of funded organisations have been employed using a multiplicity of terms and conditions, including different rates of remuneration, and are dependent on Government funding.

On the people dealing with the drugs task force, I understand that while some may be working for section 39 organisations, they were funded through a different process, rather than through the HSE. That is why they fall outside the qualifying criteria. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue and, hopefully, it will soon be resolved.

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