Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Generally, where the industrial action has discommoded people, the unions have taken a responsible attitude and recognised that the people served by my Department are the most vulnerable. We will continue to work to try and minimise the disruption to people, but this is also contingent on getting co-operation from the staff and unions, something which has been given. Low level action has taken place that has disrupted some areas and there was a slight delay in payment, but generally the unions have taken a responsible attitude. I hope they continue to do so. We may have and there are contingency plans, but they can only operate at a certain level. Everybody must try and work together to resolve the issues. As noted, the executive of the union has given its view, but it is up to the members of the union to balance everything and make their views known. The Government feels strongly that what is on offer is the best balance that can be given at this time.

See this speech in context