Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate there may be differences but it is important to point out that this offer was accepted in a similar sector. It is a 5% pay increase applying from November, that is, a 5% pay increase being paid within a matter of weeks and before Christmas; an additional 3% backdated to April, which would result in a lump sum payment in this calendar year; and a commitment to engage, as we did in the past, if and when we have a new public sector pay deal. I believe that was a good offer and I am sorry it was not accepted. There is always time to engage before strike action takes place. I acknowledge that, if it does take place, it will have an impact on people who use these services. In the meantime, both Tusla and the HSE have been asked, for obvious reasons, to make contingency plans to make sure a minimum level of essential service continues to be provided should the strike go ahead.

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