Mr. Damian Ginley:

From the point of view of representation, we have significant levels of density in the public service and we have been able to use that and the ability and strength of workers uniting together to improve immensely the terms and conditions of employment there, as outlined in the submission. In the section 39 organisations we have a limited, but fairly okay, level of density but we are challenged in respect of what we can do. Ultimately, those organisations can only pass on what they get from a funding point of view. That is the race to the bottom and the challenge associated with that. In the private sector, it is much more challenging for the trade unions and our workers who would like to have a voice in that sector. In our submission we have called for a collective bargaining negotiation forum to be established in that regard.

On the Deputy's second question, I can double check but it is my understanding that we have not received a formal invitation to engage in any forum in respect of the advisory group.