Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is quoting the public service stability agreement, PSSA, quite a lot. That agreement allows for additional measures to address problems with recruitment and retention. In fact, clause 4 specifically allows for Government action in respect of those two issues. The Government needs to engage. The General Secretary of congress, Patricia King, has been reported as stating that a resolution can be found within the PSSA. Ms King is probably the most experienced union leader in the country. She has more industrial relations experience than the entire Cabinet. Will the Taoiseach agree to set up a meeting with her as a matter of urgency in order to examine how this issue can be addressed, how we can break the current logjam and how we can get people to the table for talks, a matter to which the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection has referred. We must have genuine engagement on this matter and the employers, who are represented by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, must come to the table with a proper attitude rather than the kind of dismissive and disingenuous attitude they have displayed up to now. This matter is in the Taoiseach's hands. He can address it and he can stop further strikes taking place. Will he make a significant intervention and meet Patricia King in order to examine strategies for resolving this issue?

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