Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Harkin for raising this important matter. I am advised by the Minister, Deputy Humphreys, that she understands that the national advocacy service submitted a business case to the Citizens Information Board in relation to pay grades and other conditions on 10 May last on foot of that Labour Court recommendation. My understanding is that, as part of these considerations, the Citizens Information Board held a meeting with the advocacy service, along with Kevin Duffy, former chairman of the Labour Court, on 30 May. This discussed a path forward to resolve the issues. I believe the CIB wrote to the national advocacy service in the last week to follow up and there have been ongoing discussions involving all parties. I would encourage all parties to engage fully and positively in the process. Therefore, I would hope that while there is a process ongoing, industrial action should not proceed.

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