Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, the health sector management has engaged with the Medical Laboratory Scientists Association, MLSA, through the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, over the course of 2021 and, more recently, through the sectoral bargaining process under Building Momentum 2021-2022. The Public Service Agreement Group, PSAG, recommended that the parties re-engage at the WRC. That is where it has been over the past week or so - endeavouring to get back into the process. There was further engagement with the MLSA in relation to that. Unfortunately, no resolution was reached last week in respect of that, but I am hoping. I urge all parties to use either the WRC or, potentially, the Labour Court, to bring about a resolution of this. The full arm of Government, in terms of the full continuum of Government through its different Departments and agencies, then would be involved in that process to get an outcome, once and for all, on this particular issue.

We understand the role that the medical scientists play. We understand the impact of this disruption of patients as well - we are very concerned about that.

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