Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I know the Minister of State is just here reading a script and while I have some sympathies for her in that respect that is an absolutely appalling answer and anyone reading it will see that. The Labour Court recommendation needs to be implemented. Regarding the level of excuses here and being unclear what comparable grades there are, I can tell the Minister of State that whatever comparable grade was suggested by the union, the employer and the Department of Social Protection rejected it. It is completely disingenuous to somehow say there are still some things to be worked out here. There are not. What we need to do is implement a recommendation and get these workers back to work so that they can provide the incredibly valuable services to the most vulnerable people in the State. It is not happening because of the resistance of the Government and the Department of Social Protection. Honestly, I appeal to the Minister of State after this to come out to meet the workers outside the gates of Leinster House. They should not have to spend one more day on strike. The reason they are on strike is because of the Government's refusal to implement a Labour Court recommendation, even as it calls on the Aer Lingus pilots to respect the Labour Court recommendation they have been given. The hypocrisy here is horrendous. I am not accusing the Minister of State but I am accusing the Minister for Social Protection of a gross failure to respect these workers and actually ensure they get the pay and conditions they deserve.