Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I raise the matter of tomorrow's strike involving paramedics which is another one concerning the health sector. The National Ambulance Service Representative Association, NASRA, started on 22 January this year and I tabled a Commencement matter on this issue. These are the paramedics who have joined a branch of the PNA, which is called NASRA. They have left their previous trade union. Of the 1,600 members who were members of the previous union, 600 have left and formed their own union. Unfortunately, the HSE will not negotiate because it says it is not the proper union for it to negotiate with, for reasons of its own. The industrial action is looking to address terms and conditions. This is not acceptable as the fundamental right to join a union of one's choice is enshrined in law. The problem is that one has that right but the employer does not necessarily need to engage with that union, which in this case, 600 members have joined.

The Trade Union Representation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2018 will give effect to that right. Sinn Féin introduced this Bill and it is still in the Dáil but I ask Members to support when it is brought into this House. The Bill will change the position and oblige the employer to collectively bargain with the union of a person's choice, as long as the union has a negotiating licence, which in this case, it does.

I wish to raise one other matter with the Deputy Leader. The Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, is scheduled to come before the House, but I do not believe we have a date for that yet. It does not appear to be on his schedule either for this week or next week. Could the Deputy Leader clarify that for me please?