Ireland’s largest disability organisation, Rehab Group expresses profound frustration over the lack of progress in securing pay parity for almost 3,000 employees.

Despite commitments made a year ago, including an agreement between trade unions and the Government to address pay disparities, the issue of equal pay for Section 39 workers compared to their HSE and Section 38 counterparts remains unresolved. This failure is undermining the critical services that Rehab Group and other Section 39 organisations provide to children and adults with complex disabilities.

Speaking on RTÉ radio one this morning, the Taoiseach said he had a “burning desire” to resolve issues in disability services. These words must now translate into urgent action. Barry McGinn, Chief Executive of the Rehab Group, highlighted the severe consequences of the issue:

“The absence of pay parity for our staff directly affects our ability to deliver the vital services upon which 12,800 children, adults, and their families rely. The failure to address this issue is hampering recruitment and retention of essential staff, which ultimately jeopardises the quality and sustainability of disability services.”

The Rehab Group is calling on the Government to take decisive steps to bring the current talks on this issue to finality and to address the pay and pensions issue at its core. It is regrettable that this issue was not resolved prior to the calling of the general election.

“Without immediate intervention, this disparity will continue to compromise the sector’s ability to attract and retain skilled professionals, meet service demands, and maintain the quality of care for vulnerable individuals and families.

The time has come for commitments to be honoured through decisive action. The lives of thousands of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on it.

ENDS

For further information or to request an interview, contact communications@rehab.ieor call 0861674741