Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Taoiseach's response makes the claim that a strategy is in place. We do not know what that strategy is, however, because the Taoiseach has not shared it with us. Everything he has done runs totally contrary to the notion he has a strategy in place. The exercise of governance of the public services has had a direct effect on services. The Taoiseach claims he tried to avoid a curtailment of services but there has been absolute curtailments of services and that continues apace across all Departments.

The Taoiseach is right that it is a collective Government responsibility as it affects almost all Departments. What is the Taoiseach going to do about the notice served for 7 April by 4,500 low paid workers in the hospital network in the capital city? As of that date, they have served notice of intent to intensify their industrial action. Talking about it is not good enough. What is the Taoiseach prepared to do to initiate meaningful engagement with SIPTU to ensure we will not face a calamitous situation across all the hospital sites in this city? The first responsibility of the Government is to ensure that the situation does not arise but the only way that can be done is by engaging in a serious and concerted effort to meet the needs of those workers and their colleagues who are represented across the public service.

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