Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 November 2025
948. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if any provision has been made to assist local and regional drugs and alcohol task forces with the extra costs of auto-enrolment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62738/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra957. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Health if she has concerns in relation to the fact that the auto-enrolment initiative is not being funded for local drugs and alcohol taskforces and the costs must therefore come out of their current budgets; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62764/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 948 and No. 957 together.
Auto-enrolment is a universal pension scheme designed to benefit all workers, regardless of sector. Staff in section 39 funded organisations, including drug task forces, will gain access to enhanced retirement savings, supported by employer and State contributions. This is a positive step for fairness and long-term security.
The Department recognises that AE will have cost implications for Section 39 funded organisations. In negotiating funding allocations with these organisations, the HSE will consider the impact of AE costs to ensure services remain sustainable and staff are supported.
Section 39 Organisations are voluntary and not-for-profit bodies funded by the HSE to deliver essential health and social care services. Staff in Section 39 funded organisations are not public servants but are critical to service delivery in areas such as drugs services and inclusion health.
The HSE considers the full range of costs facing Section 39 funded organisations in its annual funding allocation negotiations. AE costs will be part of that process, ensuring organisations are not left unsupported.
I am committed to the successful rollout of the auto-enrolment pension scheme, which will strengthen retirement security for workers across all sectors, including drug services and inclusion health.
