Pandemic bonus and support for Ukrainian pupils
Three Deputies asked about the pandemic bonus payment, supports for schools enrolling Ukrainian children, and the medical scientists dispute. The Taoiseach said the bonus has commenced, schools will need more language and special-needs supports, and he would press the relevant Ministers on the outstanding issues.
We are now out of time. I ask Deputies to limit their questions to about 30 seconds. We will take three at a time.
Comment on this
The pandemic bonus payment has been announced and re-announced a number of times at this stage. When will the payment be made? Who will qualify? Will it be paid to employees of section 38 and section 39 organisations, and employees of groups operating under section 10 of the housing Act?
Comment on this
Many schools have enrolled students from Ukraine. They are happy to do so, but there are issues regarding the need for interpreters, the need for more hours for English as an additional language and more special needs assistants and special education teachers. Can anything be done to assist?
Comment on this
The medical scientist dispute is 21 years in the making. I noted the Taoiseach's earlier reply to Deputy Devlin. The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, MLSA, has proposed some innovative solutions to this dispute at the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, over the last period. It is in the WRC at present. In my view, the HSE and the Department of Health want to resolve this issue but those standing in the way are represented by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. I ask the Taoiseach to send a clear message to the HSE, the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to do all they can at this late hour to enable a resolution to this dispute because tomorrow's action is utterly avoidable.
Comment on this
Yes. My understanding is the pandemic bonus payment has commenced. I will follow up on the issuing of it more broadly with the Minister for Health.
On Deputy Stanton's issue, I thank all the schools for the work they have been doing in taking in so many children from Ukraine in so quick a time. Clearly, resources are required in respect of interpreters and English language teaching. To be fair, we are getting closer to the end of the school term. Certainly, we will need to have that situation organised more effectively by the autumn session. There has been an absorption period since Ukrainians arrived in the country but we have to make sure we have comprehensive provision in respect of that.
I believe a process is in place in which MLSA are participants. It is important all sides work with conviction to bring the matter to a conclusion. I ask for the strike action perhaps to be lifted pending the outcome of this particular phase of talks.