Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Vice Chairman for bringing that issue to my attention also. I received the letter too. The Vice Chairman's comments are 100% correct. It is very important that our public bodies, in particular the HSE in this case, remain entirely impartial. Obviously, the health service will implement the laws of the land where any decision is taken by the Irish people. This is not the first example of this. We have seen situations where stickers have popped up in our various health care facilities containing various emblems and slogans relating to this emotive and complex issue. That has been brought to my attention. I welcome very much the comments and clarifications of the director general and it is important that they be transmitted across the health service. As citizens, everyone is absolutely entitled to their view, but not in terms of utilising the logo or name of our health service.

On section 39 organisations, I note that ICTU is leading the engagement on behalf of all the unions. Individual unions are also involved, however. I do not want to say too much, as talks are at a sensitive stage, but I note there are two timelines involved. On the first timeline, I would like an agreement to be reached before any industrial action is due to take place. The timeline for the subsequent process will be agreed as part of that. I do not want to say anything further than to note that there is ongoing engagement which ICTU is leading, albeit, obviously, individual unions are also involved.