Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)

The partnership process originated in the 1980s when there was a difficult industrial relations environment. It has played a key role in dealing with a number of issues. Has the Minister spoken, directly or indirectly, to representatives of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions or the Construction Industry Federation to ensure a resolution to the dispute sooner rather than later? As we all know, there will be one when people talk face to face. This will bring some direction to the process in the shorter rather than the medium term. The dispute will probably be resolved in the medium term but we need a resolution in the shorter term. Perhaps the Minister will indicate whether she will pursue discussions to ensure talks continue.

I appeal to everybody involved to moderate their positions. It is important to acknowledge that if there is an REA, with associated complexities, it must be borne in mind. In the context of the new industrial relations (amendment) Bill, it is important that REAs be simplified and made more focused. They should not have analogues and outdated concepts that can lead to ambiguity. Let us have straightforward agreements such that if I am due 10%, I can say I am due that amount without somebody arguing I am misinterpreting the matter and am due 6%.

I do not want to see employers trying at every opportunity to emasculate those with REAs, which agreements serve a purpose. There is a feeling that their doing so is just the first port of call in accelerating a race to the bottom. We cannot tolerate that either.

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