Paramedic union representation
Martin Browne asked the Government to let paramedics be represented by the Psychiatric Nurses Association in talks with the HSE. Eamon Ryan said he would refer it to the line Minister and stressed the Government's preference for labour disputes to be handled through normal resolution processes.
I raise the issue of paramedics. Last year, paramedics went on strike and earlier this year, we all sat in the Dáil clapping them. We still refuse to let them be represented by the union of their choice, namely, the Psychiatric Nurses Association, PNA. I ask the Minister and the Government to intervene with the HSE to allow them to be represented in talks by the PNA.
Comment on this
Again, I will have to refer the matter to the line Minister. I do not have details on where those negotiations are taking place. We are engaging on an ongoing basis with the trade union movement. As recently as last week, we attended a meeting of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, LEEF, at which the partnership approach involving the Government working with both employers and unions was discussed. That is the correct approach. We must be careful that we do not intervene if particular issues are being solved through our labour dispute resolution processes. I will attempt to get a direct answer for the Deputy on where those talks are at this time.