Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to investigate claims made yesterday that, owing to the industrial action taking place in our public services, social welfare offices were closed to people wanting to collect social welfare benefits. I would like him to tell us the number of offices and the benefits that were affected by that industrial action. This is an important issue that the House should address. People are entitled and allowed to make their point, campaign and use the industrial relations tools at their disposal, but they should reflect on the fact that the consequence of such action is that people who do not have jobs suffer as a result of it. There is a choice facing our society between the protection of jobs and the protection of income but in the choices any of us make, we must keep in mind those people who have been unlucky to lose their jobs through no fault of their own. I ask the Leader to investigate the number of people affected by this industrial action. If it turns out to be the case that people were unable to claim their benefits, those responsible might reflect on the consequences of their actions on people who are much less fortunate than themselves.