Firm that broadcasts Dáil and Seanad sessions declines to renew 'unsustainable' contract

It comes as the 20 or so workers who manage the live broadcast claim they are currently being paid half the standard industry rate for comparable roles

Outgoing Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl making a speech in the Dáíl that was televised on Oireachtas TV. Pi Communications has said it will' continue to operate as normal until the competition concludes and a new supplier is appointed'. File picture: Oireachtas TV

The company that broadcasts Dáil and Seanad sessions has not bid for the new contract to continue offering the service, because it carried “significant risk” and new obligations made it “unsustainable”.

In a letter to staff on Friday, Pi Communications said it had come to the “difficult decision” following a “careful review” of the new framework put forward by the Houses of the Oireachtas.

“Overall, the structure did not provide a sustainable basis for delivery, for staff, or for the organisation,” the company said. “Each of these pressures connect. Every one of us contributes to the whole; our collective effort is required to deliver the service.” 

Last month, the Oireachtas tendered for a new contract for the provision of recording and archival services with a value of over €8m.

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The move was expected given the recent expiry of the previous deal with Pi Communications. However, the new contract will be a year shorter than the previous deal, and worth roughly €1m more.

It came against the backdrop of an industrial dispute which has sprung up amidst the 20 or so workers who manage the live broadcast of all Dáil, Seanad, and committee proceedings.

That team claims that they are currently being paid half the standard industry rate for comparable roles and have called on the Government and the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission — which manages the contract — to take action to ensure they are "treated with the fairness and respect we deserve".

Pi Communications has insisted that the rates of pay it offers part-time staff for the Oireachtas broadcast work “are regularly benchmarked against industry norms and their total earnings are proportionate to the overall work undertaken throughout the year”.

It has said it is “constrained in commenting publicly on client contractual matters and because we are currently engaged in trade union negotiations with staff with the assistance of the Workplace Relations Commission”.

Last June, at least 125 TDs and senators sent a letter to the Oireachtas Commission calling for it to directly employ the broadcast workers rather than tendering for a private service.

Pi Communications letter

However, a new contract was tendered for in September and Pi Communications has told workers that it has not bid for it and cited the “expanded service requirements and scope of responsibilities” in its letter.

“When a new provider is appointed, Pi Comms will work closely with the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to ensure a smooth and professional handover,” it said.

“Our priority will be continuity for staff, for the service, and for the client. For now, nothing changes. We’ll continue to operate as normal until the competition concludes and a new supplier is appointed. 

"The current contract will run its defined term, and the processes ahead are a standard part of public-sector renewal.

“As we move into transition to a new supplier, Pi Comms will continue to meet all obligations in full, maintaining operational stability so that the essential work of the Oireachtas proceeds.” 

The Oireachtas has been contacted for comment.