Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

In the interests of the wider social and industrial relations environment, a negotiated solution should still be sought and we are determined that effective protection of employment standards will apply.

Finally, we believe that this is best secured within the context of social partnership. As the House debates this issue, the Labour Relations Commission continues its deliberations in the hope of finding a basis and process by which the parties can move forward. I do not want to say anything further at this point, except to wish the commission success in its complex task and to encourage both sides to engage in earnest, given what each of them and this country have to lose if they do not.

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