Based on a response to a parliamentary question raised in the Dáil last year, there are currently 380 individuals in receipt of sessional rates of pay in the health sector. These include grades such as psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists and pharmacists, most of which are IMPACT grades.

This prompted Micheal McGoldrick, a sessional pharmacist with the HSE addiction services, and a member of the IMPACT’s Dublin North Health and Welfare branch, to get in touch with as many other sessional staff/employees in the health sector as possible. “My aim is to set up an informal group within IMPACT to advocate on behalf of sessional workers generally, and to help others obtain the benefits above we have obtained over the years.” he said.

Micheal added that sessional pharmacists working in addiction services have had success in obtaining a range of benefits including sick pay and paid maternity leave.

“I’m asking members who are paid a sessional rate of pay to get in touch with me, or with an IMPACT official, to explore the potential of forming such a group. The issues facing sessional staff, regarding employee status and the benefits which flow from this, are likely to be similar throughout the health sector,” he said.

If you are a sessional employee and would like to get in touch, Micheal can be contacted by email. Alternatively, please make contact with your local official.