Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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I refer to the collective bargaining coverage and the recommendations of the high-level group. It recommended that where an employer refuses to engage and ignores the Labour Court decision on the matter, the union can seek a Circuit Court order for implementation against the employer. I welcome that recommendation, although I would like to see how it will be transposed into the legislation.

I am conscious of what the Tánaiste said before a different committee, when he stated that in no world can people be forced to negotiate in good faith or to come to an agreement. Senator Gavan, Deputy Funchion and I have a good deal of experience organising workers and we know it is not possible. People can sit and say anything they want, with their fingers crossed behind their back. They cannot be forced, but the rights of workers to have their voice heard can be strengthened, and that represents their best chance of getting decent terms and conditions. What is the timeframe for this and what mechanism will be used? I agree people cannot be forced to negotiate in good faith, but it can be made so that it works against their best interests not to do so.