Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure which part of my response the Deputy had in mind when he said it was "disappointing". Was he referring to what I had said about the case of Molly, disability services generally, the significant increases provided for or the efforts being made to resolve the section 39 issue?

The Government has engaged with the trade unions. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, met representatives of SIPTU just before Christmas. We have been engaging and are seeking a sensible and appropriate solution to the issue. The Government acknowledges the need for it to be resolved and will not oppose the Fianna Fáil Party motion to be debated this evening. Our approach to the motion is a signal of what we are trying to do.

The Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, has asked the Health Service Executive to enter into a process of engagement with section 39 organisations to establish the factual position on pay reductions and restoration. At this point, it is not clear that cuts were applied in a universal manner, although it is clear that cuts have been applied in certain organisations.

See this speech in context