Mr. Neil McDonnell:

We run a HR line for our employees and we have never heard of a disciplinary hearing over productivity. I have never heard of a worker being disciplined nor has any employer asked us the question. Yes, there is performance and productivity but these are different from discipline. I do not think you would have a good day out as an employer in the WRC if you were disciplining someone over productivity.

We would be against the use of the NTF because we had our Skillnet budget reduced for 2024 despite high demand for training this year. We had to cut our training because it was cut in budget 2024 and we are looking for a substantial increase, no hints, in budget 2025. That training levy is constrained by law on what it can be spent on and it is for the training and development of workers and their employers. We would not want to see that going anywhere else. The fund is in ridiculous surplus of €1.5 billion and swelling. The Skillnet budget is €56 million. We need to see that at least doubled.