Marie Sherlock (Labour) | Oireachtas source

My questions are directed to the ICTU. Mr. Reidy made a powerful point in respect of public procurement. It is important to state it is not just about the State contracts but also organisations that are in receipt of continual State funding, such as in the childcare or nursing home sectors. Rather than just looking at the private sector, we must also consider publicly funded services that have traditionally been hostile to trade union activity. It is clear from the ICTU submission that the right to organise and of access to workplaces is needed to promote collective bargaining. What does the ICTU consider to be the key components of that right of access to workplaces? It may be that, in the minds of some employers, there is a great fear in respect of what that would entail. In reality, it is quite simple and straightforward. If would be useful for the committee if Mr. Reidy were to set that out.