Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am specifically referring to the role of the Government in the directive with regard to promoting collective bargaining. Obviously, words are great and sitting around the table and having a chat is absolutely brilliant, but the power of the State's spending could be a very important actor in furthering the promotion of the collective bargaining aim of the directive. In terms of this, and strictly within the confines of the directive, does Ms McElwee see a role for the State and State procurement in driving this particular onus on the Government? This is with regard to using its money and not inconsiderable buying power. In many instances the State is the sole purchaser for some of these companies. Should it use this to fulfil its obligations to promote collective bargaining?