Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

I concur with Deputy Penrose in that the REA-ERO system needs to be simplified, delineated and modernised. I was interested to note some of the aspects of the REA for the electrical contractors. One part stipulates what tools can and cannot be used. It is extraordinary to state in law the tools that can and cannot be used in the workplace.

Another part of the agreement requires that everyone in the State who is employed as an electrician must be a member of the Technical Engineering & Electrical Union. This is wrong because, although people should have the right to join a union and unions have the right to be recognised, nobody should be prevented from working in any industry if he is not a member of a union. I was surprised to see this is the law of the land. If there is a right to union recognition and collective bargaining, there should also be the right not to be the member of a union if one does not wish to join. One should not be barred from the workplace because one does not have a union card. The law effects such a bar, which is extraordinary.

Will the Minister and all Members join me in asking both sides to de-escalate the dispute? In this regard, we must ask employers not to put anyone on protective notice and ask the unions not to engage in the secondary picketing of businesses that are not party to this dispute and not signatories to the REA.

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