Mr. Tim Fenn:

The Senator's second point related to JLCs. We are on the record many times as saying that JLCs are not fit for purpose. They are fit for a different time. They lost their relevance in the Irish economy with the introduction of the national minimum wage. In addition, we refer to 40 to 50 other legislative measures to protect employees in this country and the active and professional Workplace Relations Commission to look after the rights of workers. In that context, employers make their choices on an individual basis. In law, we have a voluntarist industrial relations system. Employees have a choice and they can join a union if they wish. Employers also have a choice and they can engage in political bargaining if they wish, but they are not required to do so. Our industry experienced difficulties in the past when dealing with the JLCs. They were inflexible and created huge difficulties for the industry. The industry has no wish to re-engage in the JLCs at any time in the future.