Fórsa trade union, which represents most of the staff employed by Scouting Ireland, has described as “reckless” the decision of the board to reinstate chief scout Christy McCann to head the organisation’s upcoming extraordinary general meeting.
The union said the decision – which immediately prompted Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone to suspend state funding for Scouting Ireland – put the jobs of dedicated staff at risk.
Fórsa official Dessie Robinson said: “This is the second time this year that the funding has been suspended.
“The board’s decision, in this context, can only be seen as reckless. It puts the jobs of dedicated staff at risk and potentially undermines the services provided to Scouting Ireland’s national network of volunteers,” he said.
The board’s decision, in this context, can only be seen as reckless. It puts the jobs of dedicated staff at risk and potentially undermines the services provided to Scouting Ireland’s national network of volunteers.
Mr Robinson has written to the minister seeking assurances that her decision to suspend state funding won’t undermine services or prevent the payment of salaries.
He said staff in the organisation agree that Scouting Ireland should follow best practice regarding governance issues, particularly with regard to safeguarding.
Mr Robinson’s letter said: “You will understand that staff have genuine fears about the impact that funding withdrawal could have on their livelihoods. The continuing uncertainty puts them under enormous strain.”