Discussions between the Commission and the Government are ongoing. These issues are negotiated at EU level as the Deputy will be aware.

Regarding Deputy Hourigan's case, today the Government approved a strengthening of the consultation process for redundancies to ensure companies fulfil their obligations under the legislation to engage in proper, detailed and timely consultation with workers who are going through the traumatic experience of losing their jobs, the announcement of redundancies and so forth. That is the way it should be. I take on board the points Deputy Hourigan made in her presentation.

I was taken aback by Deputy Ryan's comments. We must be fair in our commentary. When Deputy Butler became the Minister of State with responsibility for older people and mental health, she put a particular focus on dementia with significant results. The 44th daycare centre for dementia was opened this week. We now have 29 dementia advisers-----

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