Efforts ongoing to avert strike by Mayo care workers

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath is examining the pay issues which has left to staff of Western Care Association in Mayo issuing strike notice in a bid for better conditions.

The strike, due to take place on Thursday, would have a major impact on services.

The issue has been raised with Taoiseach Micheál Martin by Mayo TD Alan Dillon.

He stated: "The Western Care Association has a service level agreement with the HSE on whose behalf it provides support and services to people with intellectual disabilities across County Mayo.

"It employs more than 1,400 staff. It is an amazing organisation.

"However, most care and community sector workers have not received a pay rise in the last 14 years.

"The government and the Department of Health control the funding of this organisation and, therefore, have ultimate control over whether the wages increase or not.

"I ask the Taoiseach and the government to respond to the core funding issue around section 39 organisations and the underfunding of wages of workers in these organisations."

In reply, An Taoiseach outlined: "The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is very much aware of this issue, which has been long-standing over the years, but is now gaining particular importance because of the new public service pay agreement that is being concluded by the Minister, which is welcome, and also with the Building Momentum agreement.

"There had been an agreement prior to Building Momentum with regard to the larger section 39 organisations.

"Again, just like every pay issue, there has to be a process to work out the issues. The minister is examining the issue right now."