Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I ask that we do not engage in revisionism. I am glad to hear the Tánaiste's commitment not to do so. However, I have been raising this issue for a considerable period of time, in fact, since last April. We are very slow on this. Other countries have moved on this more quickly than us. A proposal is being brought to party leaders now, and it is 19 days away from the budget. This is a comprehensive amount of money and I am concerned that it is coming only now. Many people have to be considered in this. One example is sections 38 and 39 organisations, who do not often come to the forefront when one thinks of the organisations that had to go out of their way to help people during the pandemic. Will the Tánaiste engage very quickly with the trade unions on this? Will he recognise those outside in the non-public service and private areas? In what time period will he ensure the unions and those involved know this will be a satisfactory arrangement?

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