Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I agree to proceed with the recommittal but I wish to put down a marker that in any such situation in the future I would like to see the whole Bill redrafted and returned for a Second Stage debate. It is highly unsatisfactory that a Bill comes in truncated versions and the final version bears no resemblance to theoriginal.

I support the notions contained in amendment No. 97. It improves, updates and takes on board the requirements of a modern company, specifically Bord Gáis. I have no difficulty with the proposal to bring the company up to date and into modern contention.

Provisions for staff have progressed over time and give them a reason for a particular and special commitment to a company. It augurs well to have the staff involved in a meaningful way, apart from merely working for the company. Recent developments, however, in other areas indicate we need to be careful because in privatisation and flotation bids a pattern has emerged recently whereby anybody involved in the takeover attaches great importance to making an offer that the staff cannot refuse. This issue will arise repeatedly.

EU competition laws are designed to protect the consumer by ensuring there is competition and ample scope for its development. Some companies may achieve a particular value in the marketplace. We need to be watchful of how this develops because arising from recent events in more than one area, it seems the consumer might well come off second best after the segments offered for accommodation and delivery by those interested in flotation and privatisation fall into place.

While this amendment is progressive and necessary it has drawbacks. Over my career in this House I have seen that what appears to have been a beneficial and important involvement of staff in any enterprise in the event of a flotation, takeover or privatisation the staff is the first target. This in turn renders the concept unstable and could undermine the kind of competition to which it is intended we aspire and that is intended to benefit the consumer.

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