Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Lahart. I do not in any way doubt the conviction of any of the members of SIPTU or any other union that has decided to take this action. However, I appeal to them, in light of the process I have outlined on the record of the House, and in light of what Deputy Lahart outlined in terms of utilising the industrial relations mechanism of the State, not to proceed with strike action, which clearly would not be in the interests of any patient in this capital city or county. There is a process to go through and I believe it is important that people follow that process. I would, therefore, ask that people do everything they possibly can to make sure this does not occur. For my part, I will make sure my Department engages very proactively with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government.

On another point, there will be a need for additional ambulance capacity in our capital city and that cannot get lost in this debate. The mechanism through which that is funded and where the responsibility for it lies, given it is currently with Dublin City Council, is something that also needs to be addressed through this process.

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