David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, we often bandy terminology about in these committees and people listening ask what it means. I thank the witnesses for that. I think Mr. Reidy is obviously promoting the trade union involvement in a strong way. That is his role and I get that. I think we have come a long way in Ireland in respect of relations between employers and workers and trade unions. My sense is that it is now a mature relationship. People sit down in a business-like manner and discuss these things, and there is no banging the table on either side. I think in one way that is what has led us to where we are as a strong, high-wage economy. Would the witnesses also agree when it is said that this directive is a major policy shift from the European Commission?

I have a few other questions I want to ask. This morning we are asking about the legislative changes we need to make as a Legislature. IBEC's point of view is that we do not need too many. We can sit down and work it out. It would be ideal if that could be done because legislation can be quite binding and can sometimes bring forward unforeseen consequences. Mr. Reidy seems to indicate that we need strong legislation, which is clear-cut and focused. He also spoke about how the Doherty high-level group report needs to be fully legislated for. Will he give an indication of what he means by that? What parts of it have not been legislated for and what do we need to work on?