Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On expenditure, another issue I raised with the Taoiseach was the section 39 organisations in the health area. The Minister has resolutely refused to meet the not-for-profit associations. Why will he not meet them at least? I know his answer will be that they are not State employees, and so on, but they deliver essential national services and their budgets are greatly constrained by their having to meet national pay awards. They have had a history of severe cuts, including the pay of the section 39 workers which include critical health workers such as those in the Wheelchair Association which the Minister will be aware of. I am not asking the Minister to discuss the issue but why will he not meet their umbrella organisation at least?