Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

Have disputes in Gama, Irish Ferries, the mushroom industry and a number of other cases influenced the social partnership talks? Does the Taoiseach have in mind measures that would allay concerns about job displacement? Does he expect discussions on a new enforcement agency to reach a conclusion? Will the social partners sign off on the appointment of 40 additional labour inspectors? Has progress been made on the issue of providing a care package for the elderly, which I understand is to be part of the final outcome of the partnership talks?

What is the impact on the partnership talks of the current ideological drive by Government to substantially privatise Aer Lingus? Has the Taoiseach taken into account the SIPTU decision, taken by a vote of nine to one, to engage in industrial action if privatisation proceeds without agreement?

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