I appreciate the Deputy raising this issue. I say to her that the Government is committed to resolving this issue. There had been discussions between the unions and Government officials and there had been contacts. As the Deputy knows, an offer was made but that was not acceptable to the union side. Contacts are ongoing and it is our determination to work with all sides to avoid strike action. We want to avoid strike action next week and we want to try to get this issue resolved on a sustainable basis into the future.

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