Sinn Féin TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Pauline Tully, speaking on the resumed industrial action being taken by National Advocacy Service (NAS) staff has said that the Minister for Social Protection, her department and the Citizens Information Board who manage the service need to resolve the issue by honouring the Labour Court’s recommendations on pay and conditions for NAS staff.

Teachta Tully said:

“The NAS provides assistance to more than 1,500 disabled people each year.

“They advocate on their behalf in areas such as housing, Justice, health care and safeguarding.

“This is a vital service that these staff members provide.

“They have not, however, received a pay increase in 14 years.

“Responsibility lies with the employers, who are the Citizens Information Board (CIB), but ultimately with the Department of Social Protection and the Minister as they fund the CIB.

“The workers brought a case to the Labour Court in January and were given a favourable recommendation

“The Labour Court heard the workers case back in January and made recommendations which were initially accepted by the CIB and the Department of Social Protection.

“However, the CIB and the Department have both failed to live up to these recommendations and have not honoured the Labour Court’s proposals.

“This has been very difficult for the staff as they are fully committed to their clients but believe the very future of the NAS is under threat due to the failure of the CIB, the Department and the Minister to provide adequate pay raises and improvements in conditions. 

“Minister Humphreys, her Department and the CIB need to ensure that a fair and amicable resolution is found that honours the Labour Court recommendations and ensures the sustainability of the NAS service.”