Ms Phil Ní Sheaghdha:

I wrote to the Cathaoirleach looking for this engagement on foot of the HSE's presentation, but I absolutely think the committee should and must invite the Fórsa trade union to appear and present the case for the grades it represents. We work, in the health service and largely in the community, as teams comprising speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, public health nurses, community general nurses and home help workers. We do not represent the other grades but it is important the committee hears from them because they face exactly the same issues. The cap applies to everyone, not just the grades that are represented at this meeting, and if they were here, I am sure they would set out the facts and be delighted to appear.