Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Medical scientists provide essential diagnostic services for our hospitals and general practice. They are essential workers and are expertly trained. They deliver a 24-7 service 365 days a year. Next Wednesday, in frustration at long-standing pay and career development issues that are affecting recruitment and retention in the sector, they are taking industrial action. They have engaged in negotiations but these have been unsuccessful. The Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, MLSA, which represents medical scientists, is seeking meaningful talks. It should not have come to this. It sends a terrible signal to young people who might be considering entering STEM, or science, technology, engineering and mathematics. What is the Government doing to resolve this dispute as quickly as possible?

See this speech in context