I have been contacted by staff in EmployAbility services throughout the State who are worried about the upcoming tendering out of their services. This is due to be published in April. The Taoiseach will know EmployAbility services are unique because they support people with disabilities and long-term illness into employment. There are genuine fears among staff regarding possible changes to that service. Given that EmployAbility services deal with some of the most vulnerable citizens, I ask that a level of certainty regarding the Minister's plan and vision for EmployAbility services going forward be made known before the tender comes up.

These users and the service providers themselves need certainty ahead of the tendering out of this service next month.

I thank the Deputy for raising this. I assure her that my officials are engaging and will continue to engage with the staff in EmployAbility services. I acknowledge the good work they carry out. I have visited many of the centres and the work they do in getting people who have disabilities back into work is wonderful. I assure the Deputy that my officials are engaging with them.