Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the medical science professionals who carry out such critical diagnostic testing of patient samples. I thank them for the excellent work that they do up and down the country, including in Kerry and in Cork University Hospital. I also thank the MLSA, the trade union representing medical scientists.

There is a significant national shortage of medical scientists across the public health service, with up to 130 posts unfilled even before the additional pressures of the pandemic arose in 2020. The reasons for this are inferior pay and conditions, poor career structures and limited opportunities for promotion.

The HSE has gone straight into combat mode and warned that the strikes will lead to the cancellation of many inpatient and day case elective procedures. The HSE is trying to blame those who are striking for these issues when the reality is that the real blame rests firmly with the Minister, previous Ministers, the HSE and the Department of Health.

At the heart of this dispute is the fundamental matter of equal pay for equal work. I have been spoken to by many people in Kerry who have been engaged in this excellent work for all of their lives. They are upset at what I would call being forced out to strike. They did not want to be standing out there and marching. It is wrong to have allowed this situation to come about. I plead with the Minister and his Department to listen to the union representing them as well as to them. They are sincere, highly intelligent and qualified people.

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