Johnny Mythen (Wexford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of the national advocacy service, NAS, that will go out to a strike next Monday with a protest planned outside the Dáil on Tuesday. The crux of the matter lies with the employers, the Citizens Information Board but ultimately with the Department of Social Protection, which funds the CIB. The staff at the NAS have not received a pay rise for over 14 years. The Labour Court has heard the case and has brought forward recommendations. While they were accepted by email from the Citizens Information Board, they are now being reneged upon by both the CIB and the Department of Social Protection. As the national advocacy service represents the rights of our most vulnerable and disabled citizens in society, I appeal to the Tánaiste to talk to the Department to find a quick solution and to accept the Labour Court's recommendation before it becomes too late.

See this speech in context