Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We are now in the middle of an Estimates process. I am aware of this issue. The Deputy can be assured that section 39 bodies operating in my constituency and elsewhere, such as hospices, have been in contact with us. We are aware of this issue. It is something that will be discussed, and hopefully resolved, as part of the Estimates process.

The Deputy should bear in mind, because they are not public bodies, what will be increased is their annual grant. Exactly how that annual grant is distributed between pay, pensions, services and other matters is not controlled directly by Government.

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