429. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question 7 of 2 May 2024, when the issue of pay restoration and the WRC agreement will be paid to persons (details supplied). [27983/24]

It is important to acknowledge the vital role that these organisations and their staff play in our health and social care sectors. They continue to have a key role in providing services to people with disabilities, vulnerable children, older people and in other social care settings. Government has a clear interest in ensuring the stability and sustainability of these services.

The objective of the HSE is to ensure all employees can access their entitlements under the WRC agreement. They have already made significant payments to qualifying organisations and continue to work with each of the organisations to ensure payments are made without delay.

As this process continues it has come to light that there are other community groups, who are funded through different pathways and although operating similarly, are not technically Section 39 organisations, such as local drug and alcohol taskforce groups, who have not been encompassed within the existing process. The Department is aware of the issue and is working to resolve this matter in a timely manner.