228. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health her most recent engagements with trade unions representing public sector healthcare workers, in particular the engagements she has had within the past month. [73015/26]

The Department of Health, in conjunction with the HSE, continues to engage routinely with relevant stakeholders in relation to the management of industrial relations issues and the maintenance of healthcare services.

The HSE is responsible for the operational management and delivery of health services, including the implementation of appropriate arrangements to mitigate the impact of planned industrial action on service provision.

Engagement with relevant parties takes place through established channels, with a view to minimising disruption to services and facilitating the restoration of normal service delivery as soon as practicable. The HSE also works to ensure that patients affected by service disruptions are appropriately prioritised for the rescheduling of appointments.