Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

At the very least, provision might be made to take account of the tradition of social dialogue which applies in various countries, including Ireland, as recognised in the arrangements for national reform partnerships in the implementation of the Lisbon strategy. In this way, the different traditions and practices at national level can be fully recognised and respected.

The Portuguese Presidency considered that there would be added value in working on a simultaneous and integrated solution on two sensitive dossiers, the temporary agency work directive and the organisation of working time directive, given previous difficulties in finding solutions on each legislative proposal in isolation. In the event, however, the Portuguese Presidency was unable to progress these dossiers to a successful conclusion at Council and concluded that the best option was to postpone a final decision on these matters.

This decision had regard to the nature of the discussion at Council on these proposals, to the range of outstanding difficulties and to the clear desire of member states to reach a consensus rather than seek to push matters to a divisive and perhaps damaging vote. The outcome is disappointing given the history of these two dossiers and the hopes raised in advance of our discussions.

We adopted a consistent and constructive approach in the discussions at Council. We fully supported the Portuguese Presidency in its efforts to fashion an overall compromise solution by way of an integrated approach to these two sensitive dossiers, for the benefit of all EU member states. As regards the proposed directive on the organisation of working time, the proposal from the Portuguese Presidency represented a significant effort at finding a compromise solution and one which Ireland could support.

On the proposed directive on temporary agency work, I was clear and unequivocal in explaining our position at Council when I indicated that we fully supported the thrust of the objectives of the proposed directive. I also indicated that any such instrument must be balanced and be to the benefit of all parties concerned — employees and enterprises alike.

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