Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are more than happy to limit the number of delegates. It is a matter for the committee to order its business. As there are a number of Ministers of State in the Department of Health, perhaps thematic ways of discussing these issues would allow people to get into a level of detail. That is entirely a matter for the committee. While I am grateful to the Deputy for asking me about the serious issue of industrial relations, I suggest we need to take a step back. No decision to take industrial action has been made. Certainly, no decision to strike has been made. The INMO's executive council has decided to ballot for industrial action. I do not think that ballot has commenced yet. The result is due on 15 December next. The Deputy is entirely right when he says that as Minister for Health, my job is to look at how we how we are going to address this issue before that date nears. I believe it has to be dealt with as part of the collective challenges that have been identified by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform arising from the Labour Court recommendation with regard to the gardaí. The INMO voted to accept the Lansdowne Road agreement. In its statement on its intention to ballot its members, the INMO this week confirmed its commitment to living and operating within the Lansdowne Road agreement. As Deputy Kelly knows, the INMO is a member of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU. The public services committee of ICTU contains the general secretary of the INMO.