There is a deep sense of frustration among section 39 workers, who are the backbone of many support services and help many individuals in need every single day. Despite their incredible dedication, they are often met with indifference by the Government. The Government claims to prioritise the protection of these vital services, but where is the action? Where is the fairness in pay and recognition? Workers are leaving these services in their droves because they cannot survive. With the continuing cost-of-living crisis, they are struggling financially. We need to see real, tangible support for our section 39 workers, who provide essential services to the most vulnerable people in Ireland. It is time for the Government to step up and honour its commitments. With pay talks to resume on Friday, what specific actions are being taken to ensure section 39 workers achieve pay parity with section 38 workers? These are promises the Taoiseach made to these workers before the election.

I accept fully that community and voluntary health and social care workers in section 39 organisations are the backbone of essential services. The State depends on them to deliver critical support to people across the country every day. I welcome the fact that talks reconvened through the Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, yesterday for organisations funded under sections 39, 56, 10 and 40, with some progress having being made. As the Deputy referenced, these talks have been adjourned at the request of the WRC until tomorrow morning. A number of issues remain to be resolved, including the range of funding streams within the scope of any new agreement. We are anxious that there would be agreement and I hope the talks that will continue tomorrow can lead to a breakthrough on this issue.

It is about pay parity.

I thank the Deputy.

I know what it is all about. The programme for Government commits to working with the voluntary sector to progress this issue.

I thank the Taoiseach.