Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am sure every Member is extremely concerned with regard to the situation in respect of industrial relations at present. We must ask ourselves how, in July 2009, we have arrived at a point where proven and expensive mechanisms for resolving industrial disputes have failed. At a time of unprecedented economic and difficulty for our country, we find ourselves in a strike position. People believe that this strike relates to pay but it is sending out the wrong message with regard to our country.

Despite the difficulties the Government has been experiencing, the international perception of Ireland was that at least some attempts were being made to resolve and deal with those difficulties. We may differ in respect of the decisions the Government has taken but the message being sent out into the international arena has the potential to become absolutely catastrophic in the context of the position vis-À-vis employment in this country. Some 418,000 people are currently on the live register, the message is being sent out that Ireland is in a strike position. That begs the question as to how we have arrived at a point where our industrial relations machinery has not been able to resolve the problem.

The Taoiseach has placed his personal credibility on the line on a number of occasions in respect of social partnership. I understand that this is not a simple problem and that there aspects which will prove difficult to get right. However, the Association of Electrical Contractors of Ireland made an arrangement with the Construction Industry Federation, CIF, which was subsequently appealed to the High Court. What is the Government's view in respect of whether that arrangement is legally binding? Does the Government have an opinion on the matter? Has it been advised by the Attorney General, as the legal officer to the State, that the agreement entered into a number of years ago is legally binding? That is the net question and the answer to it will provide an indication of the nature of the solution which might be arrived at. In the interests of finding a solution to this complex issue, will the Taoiseach indicate whether it is the view of the Government that the agreement to which I refer is legally binding?

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