Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is aware of the threat of industrial action in a number of sectors, particularly the health sector. I note his press release this weekend outlining the consequences of that. While I do not agree with it and find it unhelpful, there is a very small window of opportunity to try to address the ballots currently taking place. I know the Minister will probably disagree with that and will claim he cannot deviate from the pay deal that is in place for budgetary reasons.

However, the Minister recently said that addressing pay for nurses and consultants could compromise the budgetary policy. My argument back to him is that his failure to address these issues is compromising our health service and something has to give. Will the Minister engage with the unions as they have asked for direct discussions under the mechanisms available to him?

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