Mr. Brendan Byrne:

I thank the Cathaoirleach for letting me in. I have been trying to get in since comments made by Deputies Griffin and Munster. I am conscious that there is a bit of union bashing going on here and I do not like it. I have worked closely with the NUJ and SIPTU over the years. Unite has worked closely with all the unions. Every union gives 110% to their members and advises their members accordingly and under the constraints of the Industrial Relations Acts. If Deputies and Senators around this table and in this forum think there is a deficit with that representation, they should strengthen the Industrial Relations Acts, and strengthen the workers and how the unions can represent them workers. If that is the argument, then do not be grandstanding here-----