Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy very much. It is fair to say that the Haddington Road hours have real value, especially in areas such as healthcare. These are hours in which really important work is carried out. There is a cost to replacing those hours. The work of assessing exactly what that cost will be is ongoing. My Department has, of course, carried out its own assessment over time but the independent body, which I hope will furnish its report to me in the coming weeks, has also looked at this issue and has received submissions and presentations from the different sectors that are subject to the Haddington Road hours.

One key factor for me in considering the report, when I get it, will be protecting core services. I know that is also of importance to the workers and their representatives and trade unions. There will be challenges in implementing the changes recommended in this report, especially in healthcare, should we decide to do so. All of that will be taken into account. As I have said, I have yet to receive the report. It will address the issues the Deputy has raised with regard to productivity and the cost of these hours.

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