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

I am asking that the Taoiseach make every effort to ensure staff at the National Advocacy Service for People with Disabilities are awarded their pay claims as recommended by the Labour Court last January, where it was recommended that management in the national advocacy service would make a case to the Department for the funding required to provide their pay increases. However, five months later there is no progress and staff have no option but to strike because there has been no increase in staff salaries and cost-of-living payments since 2010, which is 14 years ago. That strike is scheduled to take place tomorrow. Staff at this service provide assistance to people with disabilities all over the country to interact and interface with the various State agencies. If they strike tomorrow, all those who rely on their services will be cut adrift. Finally, if a Department-funded agency is refusing to implement Labour Court recommendations, how can we expect other employers to honour Labour Court rulings?

See this speech in context