Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I suppose there are multiple issues. We are reliant on these private sector operators that have built in their profit. HCCI indicated earlier this was between 5% and 10% for companies, on average. They would state there would be a difficulty with the tendering process. If they build in their profit, the State is probably trying to get this on the cheap. Workers will make a determination and go somewhere else where they will get better pay and conditions. I get this.

I can accept short-term fixes for what they are but if we are serious about this, the only action that will keep people in this particular type of work is ensuring the right pay, conditions and ensuring expenses. We could not survive without them and the amazing work they do. The witnesses have spoken about finally valuing the work and this is a type of work that has lost out on the basis that it has largely been a female workforce over many years. We are starting from a bad place and we need to improve the position. If we do not do it, we will be under serious pressure.

What are the big requests from the witnesses? They have said the State must step up on some level. What do individual workers need? I know what has been said about the recruitment system and we need something that is agile, fit for purpose and which can deliver. Beyond that Mr. Ginley said, there are still difficulties with the tendering process.