Ms Patricia King:

I would also add that it is important to underpin the fact that such a system would not only involve advocating to the Government that a fund be set up which employers can tap into, it is genuinely about having an early warning system and utilising the voice of the worker as well as the voice of the employer. The trade unions have much to offer under that heading for the simple reason, as Dr. Healy said, that we would be very engaged at a local level with the employer. The current scenario is very imbalanced. We have consultations, discussions and considerations of these matters but we do not want them to be devoid of positivity. People want to keep their jobs. They want to know what type of restructuring and retaining needs to happen. People who find themselves in that situation are very intelligent about those matters. They want to make the moves that will ensure they will retain their careers, continue in their jobs, have their incomes and that their company stays in business. It is not only about tapping into a fund of €25 million or €50 million; this is much more holistic and, therefore, it requires a holistic approach. We are glad of this opportunity this evening to share that with Oireachtas Members because not too many people have been that interested. I understand we are in the early stages of this but we are glad to have the opportunity to share it.