Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The need for me to table this Topical Issue arose following weeks of worry and disquiet among workers, users and families who have children or grown-up children with disabilities. They were very worried.

The phone was hopping in recent weeks. It culminated in a deputation coming to my clinic in Scotts Hotel on Saturday, led by Donie Doody and several others. I am glad that the matter seems to be resolved. I have raised it several times over the years in this Chamber. What we hear is that 3% will be paid from last April, 2% in November and 3% next April. My understanding is that there is still 1.5% outstanding before pay parity is arrived at with HSE workers and other public sector workers. I ask that the payments be made and that there be complete parity for the workers. When HSE or other public sector workers get a raise in the future, I ask that these people will get one as well. They took a pay cut back in 2008, which is 15 years ago. It is an awful long time to leave them without proper pay and pay parity.

The strike would have left thousands of people without assistance or access to day care centres, leaving many potentially trapped at home, with some unable to even get out of bed without help. We have so many of these service providers in Kerry such as Cheshire Ireland, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Enable Ireland, family resource centres, the Irish Wheelchair Association and the Kerry Parents and Friends Association. All the individuals and workers involved are highly trained. They can deal with the problems and the expansive range of disabilities of the users. No one else could do their work.

It was very hurtful and many people were very angry that the talks went to the brink so late last night. We thank the Department and the people on the workers' side for their work in recent days and for working into the night and ensuring the strike was called off. We are all very grateful for that. I appeal to the Minister of State that whatever difference remains - I am told there is a difference of 1.5% - it will be addressed, that the workers in section 39 organisations will get complete pay parity and that they will have this in the future.

The stress imposed on families across the country cannot be reversed. This treatment by the Government was not desirable. I am very hurt about that, as are many other people.

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