On Monday ICTU announced the intention of SIPTU, Fórsa and INMO members to initiate indefinite strike action from 17 October over the Government's ongoing refusal to properly address the pay disparity for section 39, section 10 and section 56 workers. It was fairly clear that the Government knew the offer made in July would be rejected. The Government now has three weeks to engage seriously and make a sufficient offer to the unions to ensure that this issue is dealt with. Section 39 organisations provide adult disability services and some children's disability services. They are already curtailing their services because they cannot get staff to provide a full service. They are haemorrhaging staff to the section 38 organisations and the HSE.

If this issue is not addressed properly, those services will close and the HSE will have to provide them. That will cost an awful lot more money. Please, can the Government engage seriously?

I do not think it is correct to say that the Government expected the offer would be refused, because a very similar offer was accepted by the community and voluntary sector when it was put to a ballot. There was an 80% vote in favour. On this occasion, a decision was taken by the unions not to put the offer to a ballot of their members. It is unfortunate that did not happen. I believe there is time for engagement between now and the date that has been set for strike action. It is to be hoped it can be averted.