I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
I understand that the HSE has received a series of formal notifications from the General Secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA), advising that the PNA ambulance personnel members are taking industrial action. Phase 1 of the industrial action commenced on 10 October 2018 and phase 2 followed on 7 November 2018. A letter dated 28 November 2018 advised that whilst Phase 1 will continue, Phase 2 of the action is suspended with immediate effect. It also informed the HSE that NASRA members will engage in strike action on Wednesday 19 December 2018. I am pleased to advise that the PNA have, today, further advised that this strike action has been deferred to late January 2019.
The National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA), which is affiliated with the PNA, is a group which is not recognised by the HSE and therefore does not have negotiating rights. The PNA do not have negotiating rights for ambulance personnel. As a non ICTU affiliated union, the PNA have negotiating rights for nurses working in psychiatry and intellectual disability sectors. The union which is recognised by the HSE for ambulance grades is SIPTU.
The NAS are monitoring the situation closely and are currently working on contingency plans to be put in place to minimise any disruption that may arise in January to ensure that patient safety is not compromised. I am clear that industrial action is never the solution to industrial relations issues. The interests of patients are always best served through negotiation and by avoiding any such action.