3598. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if public service staff employment contacts should have been amended in 2022 to reflect the change in hours/pay in 2022. [61828/26]

I would like to thank the deputy for their question.

The terms and conditions of employment applicable to staff employed in the public health service are governed by relevant legislation, public service agreements and national sectoral arrangements.

I am advised that the restoration of pre-Haddington Road working hours was implemented across public health service employers, including Section 38 organisations, in accordance with the relevant national agreements and circulars issued for that purpose.

I am further advised by the HSE that public service staff are subject to the provisions of applicable public service agreements and that there was no requirement to issue a new employment contract solely for the purpose of implementing provisions arising under such agreements.

Section 38 organisations are independent employers with responsibility for the management of their staff, including matters relating to contracts of employment, subject to applicable statutory requirements and national industrial relations arrangements.

Any specific questions regarding the application of contractual terms by an individual employer would, in the first instance, be a matter for that employer.