Minister of State in Department of Health, Anne Rabbitte has welcomed news emerging from the WRC that the Department of Health, HSE, and Unions have reached an agreement in principle for pay restoration for Section 39 social and healthcare workers in areas of Disability and Older persons.  

Minister Rabbitte commented:

This is good news. A lot of work was taking place behind the scenes and I, along with Minister Donnelly, ensured finances were set aside in Budget 2021 to support this agreement. 75% of the funding required to meet this agreement will come from my Department, the Department of Disabilities.  

She continued:

Fianna Fáil has long called for a deal to be reached and the recognition of the hard work of S39 staff to be acknowledged through pay restoration. I am delighted to say that this will should now be possible.  Once the agreement has been finalised between all parties, I am very hopeful that the first phase of payments can issue early in 2021.