Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 December 2025
421. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 828 of 25 February 2025, when and by whom the decision was taken to exclude medical scientists who retired before 1 January 2024 from receiving the Labour Court recommended pay parity increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68866/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra422. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 828 of 25 February 2025, if she will review the implementation of the Labour Court recommendation on pay parity for medical scientists to ensure that those who retired before 1 January 2024 including those who returned to support the health service during Covid-19 and the cyberattack are treated fairly; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68868/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 421 and 422 together.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of all Medical Scientists throughout the country, including those who have retired from the profession after years of commitment.
Following talks at the Workplace Relations Commission back in May and June of 2022, agreement was reached to conduct an independent assessment of the role, responsibilities and pay of medical laboratory scientist grades. This assessment was undertaken by an independent assessor and the final report issued in January 2023. It was confirmed that medical laboratory scientists were performing the same duties as biochemists.
This long-standing matter was resolved through the Labour Court, which examined all relevant issues including the review of the grades involved. The Labour Court determination was explicit that the claim relating to pay parity was effective from 1 January 2024.
The implementation of the binding determination of the Labour Court is set out in the Public Service Agreement 2024 - 2026. Circular 2/2024 instructed HSE management and HR personnel to implement the terms of the Labour Court recommendation from the effective date of 1 January 2024 to all staff in position from that date. Only relevant employees in post on 1 January 2024 or after, were eligible to receive the benefit of the recommendation. Those who retire beyond 1 January 2024, will receive the benefit of recommendation.
