Bring Section 39 terms and conditions to the negotiating table – Doherty

A Fine Gael Senator has called on the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to further engage with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to negotiate and resolve a myriad of issues surrounding pay and terms and conditions in Section 39 organisations.

Senator Regina Doherty said: “In the Seanad this week, I raised the fact that Section 39 organisations receive inferior pay and terms and conditions, including salary, maternity leave, sick leave entitlements and pension, compared to their Section 38 counterparts, which are more or less 100% State-funded.

“I spoke about Prosper Fingal and its dedicated staff who support over 500 families across North County Dublin, as well as in County Meath. As a Section 39 health organisation, they are having difficulty in recruiting and retaining staff, and expanding residential and respite services, as well as day services, due to not having those additional resources.

“I had a positive meeting with Minister Paschal Donohoe last month in relation to this issue. I would like the Minister’s officials in the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform to further engage with the Workplace Relations Commission, to ensure that fairness and best practice are followed, and that the employment rights of Section 39 staff are put to the fore of negotiations,” concluded Senator Doherty.