Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I do not deal in dictatorship. Government will work with the different groups on the decisions it will have to make in the interests of our country and people.

Nurses at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick did not go on strike: they protested vehemently at overcrowding. The Deputy will be aware that this situation has been allowed to fester in a number of areas for quite some time. The special delivery unit established by the Minister for Health has visited a number of hospitals throughout the country to examine efficiency of management and competency to deal with situations such as this. I am aware that nurses will visit the Dáil tomorrow and intend to hand in a letter to the Minister for Health. I do not accept the Deputy's assertion that the lines of communication between Government and trade unions and workers and Government are not open. This is not a case of Government being closed off in some room. We are facing the reality of a range of very challenging problems with which we intend to deal and to do so in as fair a manner as is possible in the interests of everyone.

In response to the questions from Deputies Martin, Adams and Higgins, the communication avenues to this Government are open to those who are members of trade unions and workers who are feeling the pinch, as they are to employers, business people and other social groups. That will continue to be the case. As decisions are made by Government, people will be consulted and fully informed.

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