Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

The Minister of State is aware that public servants have been bashed in this House in recent years. When a major public sector entity like the HSE picks the pockets of its own staff, in effect, it is clear that a new low has been reached. If the HSE has its way, those providing home help services, public health nurses, social workers and others who assist the most vulnerable sectors of the community will have to subsidise their employer, in effect. That is not an effective way to run an organisation. It is no way to operate the health service. The HSE, which has been referred to in this House and elsewhere as a dysfunctional organisation, made a bizarre intervention yesterday. I do not think the health service has been well served by the HSE's actions with regard to expenses that were legitimately incurred by people as they served the public interest. Like Deputy Keaveney, I have heard the public comments that were made by the Minister for Health last night and by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform today. As a result of the Minister's remarks, it can safely be said that the Government does not support the HSE's approach. What can the Government do to address this matter and to provide a resolution? What steps are being taken by the Minister, Deputy Reilly, and the Department of Health to resolve this matter in the interests of workers who have legitimately claimed expenses in respect of services provided in October and November? It could be argued that their contracts have been breached.

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