The Labour Court recommended urgent talks between Tusla, Child And Family Support Agency and Forsa Trade Union over plans to transfer services at Rathmines Women’s Refuge to an outside provider. The Court found Tusla had not met consultation requirements under the Public Service Stability Agreement. Its recommendation was dated 10 May 2019.
The dispute was delaying the refuge’s reopening, leaving the service unavailable to women who needed it, the Court said. It criticised Tusla for announcing its intentions when the refuge was almost ready to reopen. FORSA said Tusla had not complied with the agreement and sought engagement on alternatives to outsourcing. Tusla said consultation was ongoing and further scoping was needed. The Court recommended meaningful engagement with Workplace Relations Commission assistance, with a view to reaching agreement within four weeks.