SIPTU members employed by the Irish Wheelchair Association are on strike today. They are on the picket line because they have not had a pay increase in 14 years. Even though they do the same work as HSE healthcare assistants, they are paid a lot less, which is €3 per hour less. As the Tánaiste will be aware, this is a common problem across section 39 organisations.

These are organisations which do incredible work and provide vital services and yet are not adequately funded by the Government. Workers then pay the price in the form of poor wages. None of the workers at the Irish Wheelchair Association wants to be on strike. They want to be back at work. The Government needs to get real here and engage with the union with the aim of achieving pay parity for these essential workers.

I acknowledge the very important and valuable work done by the staff of the Irish Wheelchair Association. As the Deputy will be aware, this association is a charity and not a Government body and the staff there are not Government employees. Even if we were to increase funding for the charity, there would not necessarily be a guarantee that the money would go to the staff by way of increased pay, although I imagine there could be an agreement around that. However, as is the case with any pay or industrial relations dispute, the Workplace Relations Commission, which is an office within my Department, will be happy to become involved if that can be helpful.

Finally, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, in respect of earlier events, we spent 35 minutes having the same vote twice. It was not necessary and shows that the Opposition’s concern about having an adequate time for legislation is not sincere.

I thank the Tánaiste but we are discussing questions on policy or legislation now.