Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise two specific issues. In October, the Labour Party brought forward a motion calling for pay rises for workers in the community and voluntary sector, in line with Building Momentum. Indeed, the Fórsa national executive has backed a proposal for strike action in section 39 agencies funded by the HSE. At the weekend, the Minister for Health announced €81 million in once-off funding for providers but that will not address the long-term pay issues. Will the Taoiseach and the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform put in place a standing forum and mechanism for collective bargaining on pay and conditions with recognised trade unions in the community and voluntary sector.

I also raise the issue of assaults against front-line healthcare workers and members of the Garda Síochána, as we saw with yesterday's dreadful news of assaults. We know that plans are required to address this. Labour Party Senators will tomorrow introduce a motion on the welfare and safety workers in the public health service. The INMO is seeking a fully funded workforce plan from the Department of Health and the HSE. Will the Taoiseach guarantee it will be put in place?

See this speech in context