Áine Collins (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept that and I accept it was unfortunate that this did not happen. However, I am trying to get to an overall point with regard to what we are trying to do here. The section 38 organisations per sedo a great deal of good work on the ground and the people they help, as well as their families, probably are the most vulnerable in society. I accept a stage must be reached where public pay policy is implemented and, regardless of whether they are right or wrong, if the rates as designed reflect the policy, this is what must be implemented.

I am very concerned about the way the HSE is approaching this. They could be a lot more helpful with the boards and with those who are trying to run these organisations. As I understand it, the boards are all voluntary. From the point of view of public opinion, I cannot understand why the HSE has not appointed a HR expert - I am sure it has plenty of them - to sit down with those involved, come up with options, and help them implement a process so that everybody can get back to the job that he or she is employed to do.