Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy referred to a 2016 case and I will bring it to the attention of the Minister. I am sure the Deputy has heard the reply umpteen times from successive people who have had to stand up and respond to the question, and it relates to the definition of "public servant". That relates to the issue of how people are paid. I omitted to say that in the aftermath of the community sector high level forum being established under the Lansdowne Road agreement in 2015, there were discussions with Fórsa, which was then IMPACT, PSEU and CPSU. It was chaired by an assistant secretary and membership included a wide range of Departments, including those relating to employment affairs, social protection, health, education and skills, housing, planning and local government. Pobal, as the agency responsible, and others were also involved.

As I said at the outset, I am here to listen and respond on behalf of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my colleague, the Minister, Deputy Donohoe. I have noted the issues raised by the Deputy and suggested that an engagement between her and officials in the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform might be of benefit. I will take back the issue, discuss it with the Minister, and we will revert to the Deputy in due course.

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