Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My understanding of that is what the unions are saying has been listened to and the Minister agrees with them. I am just giving my opinion. I do not wish to argue with Mr. Berney. I have read what the Minister said and what Mr. Berney said, which was on that basis, "we were willing to participate in a process of active dialogue". That is fine. I still profoundly disagree with the witnesses about voluntary packages. When a new utility is set up and there are new synergies and changes, such packages may be welcomed by some people and not welcomed by others but it is up to the individual to decide. I know of many industries where people want and would welcome such an option but it is not forced on them. Nobody has to take it but in many cases, it can meet the needs people can have at a particular time. I am not talking about Mr. Berney's business, necessarily.