Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is an absolute disgrace that we must again take to our feet because of this very simple demand. There are many burning issues across the State and this should not be one of them. This is about a group of almost 500 workers who are asking for the right to be heard. This is not a dispute about pay or conditions; it is about the simple right to be heard. Sinn Féin has published legislation on this matter. The Minister knows as well as I do the work done by these individuals, the seriousness with which they do their duties and the effect it can have when, unfortunately, they cannot save a life. I have witnessed that at first hand. They are diligent and professional in their job. This is about giving these people the right to be heard and to choose the trade union that wants to represent them in negotiations with the HSE. Do not make them come to the Dáil again and force them to strike for a day. Do not force the issue further. The Minister should stand up and do the right thing by stating very clearly that those paramedics who are valued by all of us when we need them will be valued in the form of allowing them to decide which union should represent them in negotiations with their employer.

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