Mr. Conor King:

This potentially has far-reaching consequences. As Senator Wilson correctly pointed out, there is a contradiction in terms. It is accepted, certainly from what I hear, and it is our firm belief on this side of the table that it is unnecessary, disproportionate and discriminatory to strip away the universal right of freedom of association or the right to be a member of a representative association or trade union. Second, no one has been able to prove how representation or membership of a representative association has, or could ever have, impinged on the independence of individuals in the performance of their functions. Workplace Relations Commission, WRC, adjudicators are members of trade unions and they make adjudications on fellow trade union members. We look at equality officers, the aforementioned judges, members of staff of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and, within our ranks, at the quasi-judicial functions of commissioned officers and no one has been able to prove or show how membership of a representative association, whether it be RACO, PDFORRA or any other association, can impinge on the independence of officeholders in the performance of their functions. Unless and until that can be done, this provision does not make sense and should be removed. That is all I want to say on that.