Ms Rhona McCord:

Deputy Munster is absolutely correct. One of the other recommendations we would like to see is not just trade union recognition but access for trade unions to workplaces, whether it is through a noticeboard or specific time when workers can meet a union representative. That currently does not exist. In hospitality this is particularly problematic for people because of what is often the transitory nature of the jobs. People come and go, sometimes within months, and they may not work full-time. When they join an establishment, they may not know their rights because there is no noticeboard. They may have no idea even that they are entitled to join trade unions or breaks and holiday pay etc. Often there are people with language issues as well and we go to the bother of printing much of our material in a different language for migrant workers. Unfortunately, we can be denied access to people in the workplace, and this has an implication for health and safety conditions in many workplaces.

Trade unions and their personnel have quite significant experience in inspection work and in looking out for people's well-being in health and safety. That skill is not utilised because we are just not allowed into the workplace at all.