Everyone in this House should be extremely concerned at the ongoing situation within the National Ambulance Service. Paramedics save lives. We need them and we need more of them. I was very proud to stand with paramedics and others on the front line on strike in Loughglynn in Roscommon town last week. During that first strike action there was a lot of commentary on deals that had been on the table previously that were rejected. Of course, what was not said was the fact that those deals gave with one hand but took away with the other in terms of allowances. The main finding of the 2020 independent report was that salary scales needed to be updated to match the major upskilling we have seen over the last two decades. Paramedics have waited six years since that report. We need to see that finding delivered. That recommendation needs to be implemented. Only the Department of public expenditure can implement it. While I respect the ongoing talks and it is important they conclude, as they go on and as strike action is due again next week, we need the Department and the Minister to acknowledge that the recommendation will be implemented. I believe that can do this.

First, I welcome the fact that talks are in progress right now through the labour relations machinery. I do not want to prejudice the outcome of those talks or say anything that might harm them. Dialogue is key to resolving this. We have modernised the service very significantly over the years. Everybody has been involved in that, including workers and all concerned. It is important that these discussions can get a resolution to this.