Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 June 2024
317. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when his Department will pay the increased public sector pay and arrears to Section 38 workers, in line with other public sector employees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25886/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am keen that all pay adjustments due under the new Public Service Agreement (PSA) 2024-2026 are paid to HSE and Section 38 staff as soon as possible, with retrospective application to the appropriate date.
As the Deputy is aware, all public servants including HSE staff and Section 38 staff are entitled to pay adjustments due under the PSA. I can confirm that my Department has issued the consolidated salary scales for the first pay adjustment due under the Public Service Agreement 2024-2026, for retrospective application.
Due to the large size of the health sector workforce, the complex nature of adjustments being made, along with complexities with local payroll systems, the HSE have had some difficulties in processing payments to health sector staff. The Department of Health has been assured by the HSE that every attempt will be made to ensure that the outstanding pay rise of 2.25% or €1,125, whichever is greater, due from 1 January 2024, will be paid to all public sector healthcare workers by the end of June 2024. Regardless of when the adjustment is applied, all eligible staff will receive pay retrospection to the original date of the adjustment, which is 1 January 2024.
The circular giving sanction to the payment of the second pay increase due under the PSA will issue from the Department of Health shortly.
