Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Howlin has raised several issues. I am glad the four Deputies have chosen to put down these questions because it is an extremely important issue which should be debated in the House.

Members are aware it has not been the practice here for a Government representative to make a direct approach to a company in regard to issues such as this. The voluntarist approach has served us well. There is a considerable amount of labour relations machinery, including the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court. We always urge parties in dispute to take their grievances to these bodies in the first instance. There are good reasons for this, not least that it is likely to be the most successful approach. As Members are aware, one party in this seems to embrace that process much more than the other. However, the national implementation body has been involved and some matters are still under consideration at that level.

I agree with Deputy Howlin that this proposal is most damaging and, like him, I worry about its implications for social partnership. With regard to the role of IBEC, it is difficult for any Member to find fault with bodies or individuals who make representations. We do it all the time and it is a matter for IBEC in its judgment as to how it chooses to represent its members.

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