Health Committee to discuss health service’s reliance on Section 39 organisations

The Committee will discuss the extent to which the Public Health Service is dependent on Section 39 Organisations and the difficulties being experienced by that sector in retaining staff.

The agenda for the meeting is as follows:

Session A: Representatives from the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies; the Disability Federation of Ireland; The Not for Profit Association; and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Session B: Officials from the Department of Health and Representatives from the Health Service Executive.

Chairperson of the Health Committee, Dr Michael Harty TD said today, “Section 39 employees are not public servants, but their employers are grant-aided by the HSE to provide services mainly in the health and social services sectors. Section 39 organisations provide vital services around the country - tomorrow we will discuss the reliance of the health service on Section 39 organisations. The funding of these organisations was reduced during the recent recession which impacted on the pay and conditions for employees. There is growing concern that pay restoration to public servants is not being matched for employees in Section 39 organisations as Section 39 funding has not been restored. The committee will examine how this impacts on quality of service delivery and pay inequality.

Committee proceedings can be viewed live here

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.