Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I had anticipated, given that it was raised several times last week by Deputy Catherine Murphy, that we would have statements this week on section 39 workers, who will strike in two weeks' time? I do not think there is a person in this Chamber representing a constituency who will not be affected if over 4,000 health and voluntary workers remove their labour to some of the most vulnerable people. This is not a decision they want to take but there seems to be a lack of urgency. We need statements and to reassert the principle of equity between section 39 workers and section 38 workers who, in so many instances, do the same job. I am asking the Government for urgency on this issue. We need statements this week because the strike is imminent and the people who will be impacted by it simply cannot be affected.

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