The HSE has confirmed that the Clerical/Admin grades 3 to 6 Job Evaluation scheme remains unaltered. The written confirmation from the HSE follows concerns raised by Fórsa about localised attempts to deviate from the terms of the agreed scheme.

Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan has said that a reestablishment of social dialogue, bringing together government, unions and employers, could resolve or improve issues where the government has failed, including childcare, education and housing.

Fórsa and health service employers met in the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) for several conciliation sessions aimed at resolving a dispute over job losses and staffing levels of administrative staff and health and social care professionals (HSCPs) in Louth County hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in late September.

Fórsa has welcomed the introduction of the ‘Smile agus Sláinte’ National Oral Health Policy 2019. The scheme establishes guidelines to transform the current oral healthcare service and aims to reduce inequalities across the population by enabling access to oral healthcare and improve oral health for vulnerable groups.