Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I noticed that Deputy Higgins was not present. The Minister of State is not going to comment on what is on the table, as he believes that commentary would be unhelpful. However, the Government has already put down a couple of markers, some of which I rehearsed with the Minister of State, in terms of legislating if no agreement is forthcoming and regarding the crucial issue of graduate nurses and midwives.

From a briefing in Leinster House today, I understand that the nursing unions have made it clear that, unless this matter is resolved - by which they mean the HSE and the Government should set aside the yellow pack approach to graduate nurses and midwives - there will be a problem agreeing a new Croke Park deal. When the Minister of State gets to his feet, will he inform the House of whether this is the case? Is he aware that this matter has been placed front and centre in the negotiations? What are his comments in this regard?

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