Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The next line might be the real closer on this. When two sides to a dispute have a different view on whether a claim can or cannot be processed, the appropriate thing to do is to refer it to the oversight body that was established to oversee that agreement. That is what we intend to do. The oversight body is the appropriate vehicle. I ask both sides to this dispute to engage fully with that but also that people reflect on the prudence of balloting on industrial action when an oversight body is to consider the matter. The appropriate thing to do would be to let the oversight body do its job and see what it has to say.

I must also make the point that in recent days the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform commented on the cost of funding the claim put forward by the INMO, which it costed at €300 million annually. We are talking about a sizable sum. If politicians wish to deviate from the public sector pay agreement, they ought to suggest how they will fund it because €300 million is a substantial sum. I hope that engagement can take place. The oversight body is the appropriate body in which to do that.

The Deputy asked the HSE to comment on home help and I am happy for it to do so. However, from a policy perspective, the development of a statutory home care scheme is acutely needed on which we are all agreed. The Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, has done significant work with the Department on that. We are again increasing funding for home help and we are not waiting until budget 2019 delivers a service plan, but will do it as part of our winter plans. The Deputy is correct that in certain parts of the country there has been an acuity in recent weeks and months. I hope that we will be in a position to rectify that.

I will ask Mr. Connaghan to comment on that.