Better conditions for community ‘Section 39’ groups must remain on the agenda – Doherty

Restrictions on ‘Section 39’ groups, which provide valuable services to communities across the country, must be addressed in the next Budget, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

These organisations are funded by the HSE under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, and mainly operate in the areas of social inclusion, and support for people with disabilities, older people, and people with chronic illnesses.

Senator Regina Doherty said: “The State, through the HSE, funds a long list of organisations that provide much-needed services at both community and national level. There is a disparity in that, though, in terms between what are known as ‘Section 38’ and ‘Section 39’ organisations.

“Section 38 organisations are more or less 100% funded by the State. Section 39 organisations are only partly funded by the State and have to raise any additional money themselves.

“As a result, Section 38 organisations receive far superior pay and terms and conditions, including salary, maternity leave, sick leave entitlements and pension, which presents significant challenges to Section 39s.

“One example of a Section 39 organisation is Prosper Fingal, who offer crucial supports to adults with an intellectual disability in North County Dublin. The Prosper Group and its dedicated staff support over 500 families across this part of the country, as well as County Meath. However, like many Section 39s nationwide, they are having difficulty in recruiting and retaining staff, and expanding residential and respite services, as well as day services, due to not having those additional resources.

“Another challenge is that the sector is becoming unattractive to young, potential staff. Despite feeling that social care is their ‘vocation’, many are choosing not to pursue a career in the sector in light of the poor terms and conditions.

“I met with the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, in relation to the asks of Section 39 groups. The Minister appreciated that that this issue is bigger than just pay, but a wide range of issues. He has assured me that it is on his agenda and that he will do his best to make provisions to resolve the issues facing the sector, its staff, and the communities they serve.

“I will continue to fight for Section 39s, within my own party and at Government level, to ensure that better conditions remain on the agenda in the run-up to Budget 2024”, concluded Senator Doherty.