Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I also acknowledge the professionalism and efficiency of the emergency call answering service. It operates 24-7 all year round, engaging with services and, occasionally, the Coast Guard. It is absolutely vital. However, there is a high turnover of staff at one centre, at East Point in Dublin. This high turnover of staff means there is a loss of very valuable skills and expertise, and the Minister of State may ask why this is so.

The Communication Workers' Union did a survey and found 100% dissatisfaction with the rate of pay. In the ComReg review, it was indicated that the hourly rate should increase. We know the work is essential to the safety of the public and yet the employer continues to ignore legitimate concerns from the workers. The Minister of State indicated that he hoped this is a matter for BT and Conduit and that the companies will engage, but this is a public contract awarded by the Department responsible for communications. The workers want to be treated with dignity and respect and they want the right to be recognised by a trade union. In other words, they want the right to collective bargaining. That was also supported overwhelmingly in the survey. I ask the Minister to use his influence to ensure the company respects the workers' basic right to collective bargaining, as that is where these issues can be addressed.

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