Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will take Deputy Guirke's question and the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Butler, will take Deputy O'Dowd's question.

Regarding the 75 workers who operate the 999 call service, I am sorry to hear that these issues have arisen. We have well-established processes in Ireland for dealing with disputes and issues around pay, terms and conditions and so on, primarily through the Workplace Relations Commission. I am sure that the workers or their representatives will consider following up and raising the issues at that level. These workers provide an absolutely vital front-line service and it is concerning to hear of the issues raised by the Deputy. I will ask the Minister to respond to the Deputy directly on this.

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