Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his comprehensive and positive response. I regret the fact that a number of people on short-term contracts will lose their jobs, but I hope they can be re-employed somewhere in a similar area of work.

While the Minister of State's reply is reassuring, there have been a few weeks of uncertainty for the families concerned. I regret that the HSE did not keep public representatives for the area briefed on exactly what was happening. If we had had the contents of the Minister of State's speech a few days ago, it could have spared people some difficulties. However, I acknowledge and welcome the commitments that have been made by the Minister of State.

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