Ms Nichola Harkin:

Kara referenced the issue around private care providers providing care on foot of tenders from the HSE so as a sector, there are budgetary constraints there. There are also challenges around the uncertain nature of the work. If somebody is hospitalised or someone has an appointment, there are challenges there with regard to hours. All of these things need to be considered. We are not saying "Yes" or "No" to any particular thing around that but I would say there are challenges around the budgetary constraints in the sector. The Senator mentioned individuals who say they have been dismissed by virtue of trade union activity and it is really important to highlight there are existing very strict rules around protection of trade union membership.