Ministers urged to 'show respect' and intervene over Section 39 workers' pay protest

'Disgrace and shame' that 5,000 community and voluntary-sector agency health workers are forced to take strike action

Among 19 agencies whose staff will take strike action are the Irish Wheelchair Association and Depaul Ireland.

Fianna Fáil TDs have called on their ministerial colleagues to "show respect" and immediately intervene to restore the pay of Section 39 workers who are due to strike next week.

The Dáil has heard that it is a "disgrace and a shame" that 5,000 community and voluntary-sector agency health workers have been forced to mount indefinite protest action.

Among the 19 agencies whose staff will go on strike action from next Tuesday are the Irish Wheelchair Association, Depaul Ireland, and branches of Enable Ireland in Cork, Tralee, the East coast, and the Midwest regions.

These workers have not had pay restoration, meaning they are now on lower rates than their counterparts employed directly by the State.

John Lahart was among a number of Fianna Fáil members who called on the Government to "move every mountain" to make sure the strike does not happen.

John Lahart was among a number of Fianna Fáil members who called on the Government to 'move every mountain' to make sure the strike does not happen. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

His party colleague John McGuinness told ministers: "You are causing consternation and disruption of the services, at a time when it's not required, it's not needed. 

There is money within the coffers of the State to settle and for once and for all show respect to those workers.

Fellow Fianna Fáil TD Paul McAuliffe said there appears to be an attempt by Government "to save money" through the non-restoration of pay.

"There's no other way of explaining this," he said.

He said it was "most breathtaking" that a 5% pay increase offer was made "by people who had full restoration of their public sector pay".

Responding, Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman said his officials are working hard to avoid industrial action.

Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte added that she is involved in "ongoing dialogue" with the Department of Public Expenditure on a pay package.

"This is one of those rare instances where all parties involved in discussions are effectively on the same side and wish to see a resolution reached, satisfactory to all," she told the Dáil.

However, she added that a balance has to be maintained in terms of impact on exchequer funding.

"As always, there are limits to our spending ability," Ms Rabbitte said.

Sinn Féin TD Louise O'Reilly suggested that the Government is "actively trying to drive the workers to the picket lines".

Labour's Duncan Smith said 'dereliction of duty from the Government' has resulted in next week's planned action. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos

Labour's Duncan Smith said it is "inexcusable" that there has been no contact with the unions to restart formal talks.

He said "a dereliction of duty from the Government" has resulted in next week's planned action.

Pointing to comments made by Leo Varadkar last week, Mr Smith said: "There seems to be this bull-headed approach into industrial action, into strike, from the Taoiseach at least."

"The ball is firmly in the Government's court and everyone sees it that way," he said, adding that the strike would impact on the most vulnerable people in our society.

Independent TD Seán Canney warned that if pay is not fully restored, Hiqa will be forced to close some services in the coming months as Section 39 organisations cannot find staff willing to work for the current salary.