Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The Bill as it stands recognises the role of trade unions and undertakings where it is the practice of the employer to engage in collective bargaining negotiations. This goes further than what is envisaged in the directive. In undertakings where collective bargaining is not the practice, trade union members or officials who are employees of the undertaking would be free to nominate candidates in the same way as any other employee. This legislation will affect a wide variety of undertakings with different cultures and practices. The approach I have taken in the Bill is balanced and probably goes further than many thought would be possible.

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