Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister must recognise that it is Government's responsibility and duty to help avert a deterioration of the situation in our accident and emergency units throughout the country and across the range of hospital services, which industrial action would undoubtedly precipitate. Is it enough to say this is a matter of industrial relations? The Health Service Executive and the Government must be aware and acknowledge that the INO has engaged in a very focused and determined way to overcome all the difficulties relating to the health care assistant training programme and related matters. As I said in my initial questioning, it has made significant progress. There are matters outstanding, but against the backdrop of the threatened withholding of payment to nurses and midwives from 1 June, there is now a poisoned atmosphere. This is not a climate that will be conducive to realising the necessary focused engagement between the HSE and the INO.

Does the Minister not recognise that this issue requires intervention at this point, not post the debacle visiting each and every one of us? Will he not also, in recognition of the major contribution nurses, midwives and the INO body make to the overall delivery of health care services in this State, accept it is the duty of Government to take cognisance of their expressed concerns and act accordingly? I do not believe the HSE can depend on Government as a crutch for any and every move it chooses to take. There is a responsibility on Government and on all voices in this House to ensure the crisis of such proportion that threatens is averted. I appeal to the Government to intervene to ensure this matter is addressed positively and sincerely so that the ongoing engagement will be under way and payments will not be withheld on 1 June.

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