Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the trade union representatives for their attendance and the way in which they explained how important the services are. It is very important that we try to get that message out there. The services are important for the workers, particularly those in Empower in my own area whom I met quite often, including at their recent protest. I fully support the pause to provide an opportunity to hold a stakeholder forum.

Regardless of what the service is, all services can be improved. I was listening to "Morning Ireland" this morning and Jenny from the north inner city, the area where I was reared, was speaking. The message she delivered about how person-centred services can make great differences is very important. It is about placement through the service but it is also about follow-up to ensure that people who are feeling a little bit nervous or rattled about what is coming down the line for them can pick up the phone and talk to a person who genuinely cares about them. I do not believe a profit-led private service can deliver that type of service to people. It is important that we do not criticise those who work in these services, as was mentioned. They are put under pressure to deliver and to get people in and out quickly so that profits can be maximised. That is absolutely outrageous.

It is also ironic that the Government and Minister are hiding behind the Attorney General's legal advice. I have requested that the committee seek advice from the Office of Parliamentary Legal Advisers, OPLA, our own service, and that has been agreed to. That will be critically important. Let us also remind ourselves that the Attorney General released advice regarding the Merrion Hotel issue, so there is precedent. Advice can be released when it suits the Government. Have the trade unions sought legal advice on this matter? What is the legal advice with regard to public procurement? The Government is claiming that it is necessary for these services to go out to a public tender.