Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to bring this to a conclusion within the coming weeks. I acknowledge the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform is engaging fully and intensively with my officials. Indeed, I am engaging with the Minister in that Department on this matter. It is appropriate that engagement takes place. We are seeking to move to a different scenario as regards terms, conditions and pay than the one we have previously been in. That is right and appropriate because of the very valuable work that is being done and the recognition that the current scenario is operating at pay rates outside the current national pay agreements and date back, I think, to November 2013. There is a clear need for change. I want to bring it to a resolution. I would like to do that in the coming weeks. I am happy to keep both Senators directly updated and come back to the House when we have more finality regarding this matter.