The Labour Court recommended that the HSE use its 2009 agreement with the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union and the Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union as the basis for a final agreement covering home helps' contracts and reduced hours. The recommendation was signed on 29 June 2012.
The unions sought implementation of the agreement, including contracts of employment, redeployment when hours fell and compensation for cuts in hours. The HSE said it was willing to discuss an agreement within its reduced budget and plans to provide home-help services through private agencies. The Court said the 2009 agreement was reasonable and practical given fluctuations in working hours.
The Court recommended meaningful discussions and a final agreement within one month. Any unresolved issues could be referred back to the Court for a definitive recommendation.