Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Staff in section 39 organisations are now far behind those in analogous grades within the public service. They are seeking a pathway back. They need a pathway to pay restoration. It is the least they deserve.

We outsource a good deal of work from the health service to these agencies. It is not fair to disrespect repeatedly these workers. They are delivering a service that the State should be providing. For that reason, Sinn Féin will be supporting the Solidarity-People Before Profit amendment. We believe that it will take time and that it will be onerous. We understand the process will be complicated because we know all the various elements that are involved. We believe the Minister of State should make a statement of recognition to the effect that these workers do the same work as their counterparts in the public service. The principle of equal pay for work of equal value holds. The Government has an opportunity to send a message. The Government either values their work in the same way as it values the work of those in the public services or it does not. The Government has an opportunity. I echo the call from Teachta Cullinane for the Minister of State to come back to the Chamber and give them the support and assurance they need.

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