Following the retirement of Chris Cully, AGS, the National Health Office have been progressing several key industrial relations issues for TUSLA members. An update is provided below. We will provide another update before Christmas at which point we hope to be in a position to share the news of who will be replacing Chris. 

We are receiving several queries from members in relation to TUSLA reform. As of the 3rd December, Fórsa has not received the “final draft design” proposal from Management. It is our understanding that due to a high volume of staff feedback from the various town hall engagements, that management will not have a document for consideration until early 2025. As soon as this document is received, it will be circulated to all TUSLA workplace reps. We currently have a database of reps by staff group (2 nationally for each profession) and by geographical region. Regions that have not currently nominated a workplace representative are: 

• Longford 
• Leitrim 
• Limerick 
• Monaghan
• Sligo 

If you are interested in representing one of these areas, please contact Kate Miskella to ensure that your voice is heard in the reform discussions. Email: kmiskella@forsa.ie.  

Fórsa returned to the Labour Court on Friday 22nd November in pursuit of a Job Evaluation Scheme for clerical/admin members employed by TUSLA. The Court adjourned and indicated their intention to invite the parties back in January 2025 to provide an update on agreeing a resolution. The suspension of the industrial action remains in place as per the request of the Labour Court in its recommendation of May 2024.

TUSLA have provided a Draft People Strategy for review. This was circulated to workplace reps and all Fórsa branches. Feedback is welcome by 13th of December to Kate Miskella, Staff Panel Secretary – kmiskella@forsa.ie. 

The EWS Branch held their Annual General Meeting on the 19th October. This was followed by a meeting with management on the 14th November. Several items were discussed and agreed and meeting dates for 2025 are now being agreed. 

A conciliation conference took place on the 15th October on behalf of Early Years Inspectors and their claim for pay parity with inspectors employed by the Department of Education and Skills. A members meeting has been called for Friday 13th December to provide a detailed update. 

The Aftercare Review commenced on 24th September 2024 and it is hoped to be concluded within 6 months. The Aftercare Review Group is meeting on a regular basis and their next meeting is due to take place on 10th December 2024.  

A draft Terms of Reference for the Family Support Practitioner Review Group have been received and reviewed by workplace reps.  A meeting has been requested to finalise and agree the TOR for this review, together with the appointment of an independent Chair/s.

To date a total of 521 staff have applied for the CPR. 352 of these have had their offer accepted and processed. There are currently 169 awaiting to complete the process. The link for this is on the Tusla HUB and is open ended. Once staff reach the 5 year threshold they are eligible to apply.

Fórsa and workplace reps attended the Workplace Relations Commission Conciliation Service on 8th August 2024, however the parties failed to reach agreement in relation to this matter. Fórsa responded to the WRC on 14th November with suggested amendments to a proposal and are currently awaiting the final agreed proposal in order that this can be put to members for consideration in relation to a “pilot” for on-call.

Fórsa and workplace reps attended the Workplace Relations Commission on 18th October 2024. Discussions were adjourned to allow TUSLA engage with the funding Department on the provision of sanction to backdate the regrading to October 2018. Tusla Management agreed to let the Commission know the outcome of that engagement on or before the 6th Dec.