Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Last weekend the Tánaiste undertook to give me a reply on the subject of the legislative programme that had been agreed between the Government and the social partners and, specifically, the legislation on collective bargaining. In addition, she agreed to provide information on the proposals for the Competition Authority and whether there would be an amendment of section 4 of the Competition Act. She has had no contact with me. Aside from the disappointment of not having the private session she promised, I must ask again whether it is the intention of Government to publish the legislative programme arising from its undertakings to the social partners. Is it the intention in this session or the next to publish collective bargaining legislation? Specifically, when will the competition (amendment) Bill, to which the Minister referred, be published, and will it include an amendment of section 4 of the original Act?

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