A delegation from IMPACT’s Health and Welfare division attended an introductory meeting with the Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, at the end of August. The union outlined its current programme of work in the health sector, and informed the minister about the composition of IMPACT’s health membership. The minister expressed his support for IMPACT’s work to highlight the value of clerical and administrative staff working in the sector.

IMPACT national secretary Eamonn Donnelly described the meeting as positive and constructive. “The minister outlined his objective to create a 10-year strategy for the health service. While there is a lot of political activity going on to establish that, it’s important for us to ensure the minister knows who our members are and the critical role they play in health service delivery.

“In that regard we felt the meeting was both positive and constructive, and will help lay the foundations for future engagement with Minister Harris and the Department of Health,” he said.