288. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware that arising from an adjudication hearing of 23 February 2024, her Department was directed to engage with a union (details supplied) to determine the quantum of allowance to be paid to executive office inspectors arising from a claim lodged in 2017; if she will provide an update on the proceedings; the projected timeframe for reaching a conclusion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37882/24]

The Department has acknowledged the outcome of the adjudication hearing of 23 February 2024 and has informed Fórsa that it is committed to honouring the decision of the adjudicator dated 29 February. The Department has informed Fórsa that engagement will commence once the sectoral bargaining units referred to below have been finalised.

The process of collective bargaining has not yet been formally agreed. DPENDR has advised that the final bargaining units are due to be returned to them later this month following which they will be engaging with ICTU in relation to the process going forward. This will include how and when claims/proposals should be progressed.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.