It is not agreed. On 17 October, workers in section 39, section 56 and section 10 agencies will be taking industrial action. As the Taoiseach and I know, this is the last thing they want to do. It is very much the last thing that service users and their families want to happen. Can we put time aside this week to discuss that dispute? The families are watching this debate and feel like they are being ignored. We cannot let the two weeks that are left go without us having an intervention. We need to make time for a debate.

Earlier, our justice spokesperson, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, raised with the Taoiseach the crisis in the criminal justice system today, noting that the business of the criminal courts has been halted due to the withdrawal of services by criminal barristers and solicitors because of the lack of pay restoration moves. We have also seen a crisis in An Garda Síochána, with the work-to-rule ongoing today and on future Tuesdays including, it seems, Hallowe'en. The response the Taoiseach gave was effectively that of a bystander to these issues. Will he set aside time in the House in order that we can debate these issues and ensure there is a speedy resolution so that our criminal justice system can again work for communities and victims of crime?

I too want to raise the issue of workers in section 39, section 56 and section 10 organisations. The last thing they want to do is engage in industrial action. They are at the coalface of looking after our most vulnerable, in organisations such as the Irish Wheelchair Association, RehabCare and children's disabilities services, which are being shamefully neglected by the Government. We have to support these workers. It is disgraceful that they work beside colleagues who earn an extra €4 an hour. They do not want to go on strike. They offer a lifeline to the people they look after every day and provide them with a sense of hope. They light up their lives. They want to be with them, not on picket duty. I am looking for a debate on this issue, and my Rural Independent Group colleagues want a debate on this issue. The strike is imminent. Gardaí and barristers are on strike. Does the Government want the whole country to be on strike? These workers are a dedicated group of people and provide specialised services willingly and happily, but they want and need parity of esteem.

Last week Dáil Éireann, to its shame, gave a round of applause to a parliamentary delegation from Azerbaijan, which included representatives of its ruling party. This was despite the fact that the Azerbaijani state organised a blockade for ten months of Nagorno-Karabakh, which resulted in starvation for some, seized the territory, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including children, and forced 100,000 Armenian people to flee the territory, de facto ethnic cleansing. I request that the Business Committee meet this week and, when it meets, considers how this stain on the name of this Parliament can best be dealt with and removed.

I had anticipated, given that it was raised several times last week by Deputy Catherine Murphy, that we would have statements this week on section 39 workers, who will strike in two weeks' time. I do not think there is a person in this Chamber representing a constituency who will not be affected if over 4,000 health and voluntary workers remove their labour to some of the most vulnerable people. This is not a decision they want to take but there seems to be a lack of urgency. We need statements and to reassert the principle of equity between section 39 workers and section 38 workers who, in so many instances, do the same job. I am asking the Government for urgency on this issue. We need statements this week because the strike is imminent and the people who will be impacted by it simply cannot be affected.

I rise to support my colleagues regarding section 39 and section 56 workers. Everyone in this House knows the impact this will have on services. All of us have received correspondence from parents, families and service users who are extremely anxious about it. Because next week is budget week, we will not get the opportunity to debate this. Could we have an emergency meeting of the Business Committee later today to see if we can facilitate a debate at some stage this week on this issue, because it is important? All of us in the House agree that it needs to be debated and addressed, particularly in advance of the budget. If the Chief Whip and the Ceann Comhairle's office could facilitate that, we could find a resolution.

I am advised that engagement is taking place regarding section 39 and section 56 agencies. All of us on all sides of the House are very conscious of the vital services those bodies provide. The issue can only be solved, and it can be solved and the strike avoided, through engagement over the next two weeks.

Regarding time being provided, I spoke to the Chief Whip. It is possible, through the Business Committee, to provide time next week for statements notwithstanding the fact that it is budget week. As Deputies will know, Opposition parties have dedicated time each week and it is up to them to prioritise the issues they want discussed during that time.