Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

I do not necessarily mean to convey the point I was making in a manner that would cause us to split hairs. As I have considered this matter, I have been open-minded about the sort of issues on which the unions have shown a strong interest in being consulted. I have provided for such consultation throughout the Bill. The Deputy is right to state that some workers will be keen to meet to seek advice on certain technical issues. It is important, for that reason, that the unions will be represented by the three good people who will be proposed as members of the Railway Safety Advisory Council. This is an example of an instance in which it is better to deal with an issue not by talking to every different grouping, thereby avoiding making the entire system over-cumbersome. In drawing up this legislation, there was a need to avoid making things too complicated. We are happy to consult various groups when it is deemed absolutely necessary and right to do so. The people involved in drawing up the legislation felt that the unions need to be involved in the proposed railway safety council so that they can keep abreast of the various issues. We have facilitated this.

See this speech in context