Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I note the union representing staff working in the passport offices has issued protective strike notice. This issue has been very disruptive for thousands of people and the Government has failed to put in place a system that delivers a service to citizens that they deserve and which is their constitutional right.

The Taoiseach has made comments in good faith about getting the working position restored. May I take it from his comments that he clearly supports the lifting of the embargo now? Does he support overtime being made available and the introduction of temporary workers normally employed at this time of the year in the passport offices to deal with a backlog? If so, has the Taoiseach communicated this, through his office, to the union and asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs to speak directly to unions about the Government's wishes? Is there anything further he can add through making a statement in the House today?

Every Deputy from every party has heard of hundreds of cases from all over the country. People have travelled by train but were unable to get into the office. There are issues concerning management of the line, with people possibly being ordered by who is travelling on Friday, Monday or Tuesday if there is authentic proof of travel. Given that there is an extensive line of people, there could be simple management of the queue according to who is travelling on a particular day. That would be much more manageable.

It is imperative that the Taoiseach ensures the Minister for Foreign Affairs intervenes and expresses the Government's wishes in this regard directly to the union and staff so that the matter can be resolved.

See this speech in context