Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear the Minister of State continues in good faith but he does not want to speak about figures. I understand that but that is the reality of people’s pay packets. That is what is in their back pocket at the end of the week or month and that is why I and others are asking these questions.

The Minister of State will be aware a number of successful public meetings were held earlier this year. There was one in Athenry, one in Castlebar and one scheduled for Sligo, which was put off in order that these tripartite talks could take place.

I am willing to accept the Minister of State’s bona fides on this but it still seems there is a blockage holding up progress. At this point, the RSS and Tús supervisors feel they are being stonewalled, not perhaps by the Minister of State but by the system. As far as they are concerned, the system is the system. I ask that the Minister of State makes every effort to move this as quickly as possible.

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