Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The facts I have mentioned are very important because I believe the solution to any industrial unrest, industrial action or sense of grievance within the public service, including the health sector, should be dealt with within the ICTU structure. My colleague, the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, met representatives of ICTU earlier this week and will have further meetings with them. I will meet representatives of the INMO next week. I will be happy to keep Opposition spokespeople briefed on the situation. In fact, I think it would be appropriate to do so. Members of the committee will understand that I do not intend to say too much in this public forum. I know Deputy Kelly is conscious of the point I made to Deputy O'Reilly earlier, which is that the budget for the year is the budget for the year and there is no more money on offer to me, or any other line Minister, to deal with new public sector pay claims. We have funded the implementation of the Lansdowne Road agreement.