Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make an observation. I am sure Mr. Watt is aware I disagree fundamentally with Government policy on the lottery and Bord Gáis Energy. However, given the decision has been made I suggest the last thing the Department needs is industrial relations turbulence in these entities. I recommend the Department does not take a laissez-faire approach in respect of these matters. Management and unions must engage on these issues, and we all know this, but there is a role for the Department because the Government has taken a decision to dispose of these assets in this way. Mr. Watt referred to the Minister several times. He happens to be a member of the Labour Party and those of us around the table who can comment on policy-related matters I am sure would reflect an expectation a Minister of this stripe would have a particular sensitivity and acknowledgement of this type of issue and of the concerns which workers have. I would appreciate any information flow Mr. Watt has on the staffing issues in the national lottery and whether he has information on Bord Gáis Energy.

I am conscious of time because the Chairman is giving me the evil eye.