Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to reiterate the position in respect of this dispute. NASRA, which is affiliated to the PNA, is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights. Furthermore, the PNA does not have negotiating rights for ambulance personnel. The legal position is very clear. The HSE and the National Ambulance Service have no obligation to recognise NASRA or the PNA in the context of representing ambulance personnel. The National Ambulance Service is committed to maintaining positive industrial relations with all staff and is fully satisfied that ambulance personnel are adequately represented through the agreed and recognised industrial relations process that exists within the health sector.

I will convey the Deputy's concerns to the Minister. I hope that, within the Department and the HSE, we might be able to find some way around this complex and difficult issue. I thank her for raising it and hope that, when we go back to the table, we may able to get some resolution.

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