The Tánaiste will be well aware that last night SNAs overwhelmingly voted to reject the proposed SNA workforce development plan. I understand Fórsa's education divisional executive committee will meet next Wednesday, 8 July. I accept what the Minister, Deputy Naughton, said about there being significant stakeholder engagement on the creation of this workforce development plan but the reality is that SNAs do not accept it. One of the core issues is the 72-hour obligation on SNAs. I suspect that this issue forms part of the reason for the rejection of the plan. My question is fairly simple. What now?

I thank Deputy Kenny. First, I respect the outcome of the ballot because it is important that processes are respected. I know Fórsa opened a consultation ballot. It is important to say that the union representing SNAs did recommend acceptance of the plan but the members rejected it. That is a statement of fact too and that is how democracy works. In terms of what happens next and what now, Fórsa has said it will consider the outcome carefully. I understand, as the Deputy outlined, that its education divisional executive committee will meet next Wednesday to consider the outcome and determine the next steps. We, as a Government, and the Department await the feedback from Fórsa's engagement with its members. We are respectful of that. The Minister, Deputy Naughton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Moynihan, and their officials are ready and willing to constructively work and engage with Fórsa and all stakeholders to address any concerns or issues. We all want to get agreement on this. In fairness, I know the SNAs want to get agreement on it. They have waited a long time for it. This was seen as an important step forward. We need to hear what was behind the outcome of the ballot to see if we can tease through some of the issues. We look forward to hearing from Fórsa after the meeting next Wednesday.