SIPTU delegates attending the union’s Biennial Delegate Conference in Cork have today (Thursday, 5th October) unanimously backed a motion calling on the Government and Health Service Executive (HSE) to ensure Section 39 organisations adopt transparent governance systems. Addressing the conference in Cork City Hall, SIPTU Health Division Committee member, Peter Behan, said: “We must send a very clear message that our members will not continue to provide first class service delivery on third class pay and conditions. “There are literally thousands of care workers of all grades employed in Section 39 Organisations providing both health and community services. Health Division members work in Section 39 organisations which are household names due to the services they provide to our most vulnerable citizens. Section 39 organisations receive millions of taxpayers euros to provide these services mainly in the care of citizens with intellectual disability.” He added: “Section 39 Health Service providers are not exempt from criticism with scandal after scandal concerning excessive payments made to senior managers and executives well outside public sector pay norms. “For our members and the public questions remain despite investigations by the press and the Public Accounts Committee. The HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform have simply failed to take any action to correct this situation which has damaged public confidence in the whole Section 39 and Voluntary Sector.”
SIPTU Conference backs call for transparent governance of Section 39 organisations
