Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Thank you, a Chathaoirligh. I accept your point. We have heard much about new politics and we have a new Minister in place. However, when the union wrote to the Minister, effectively, she appeared to sit on her hands, saying it had nothing to do with her. This Department funds the child care facility in question. This facility has made these people redundant and, at the same time, told them to reapply for their jobs if they like. Does this House see that as acceptable behaviour in the 21st century? None of us should and, I believe, none of us would. It is an issue of urgency. These people are in their third week on strike and we need to have a response from the Minister. Will the Leader urgently ask the Minister to address this issue?