Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Deputy for his good wishes and I pay tribute to his work while Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs. He is correct to say that no progress has been made towards publication of the report but I remind him it was he who set the timeframe for the report to be presented and that date has not yet been reached. It is expected that this report will be on time and the recommendations will be available then.

Deputy Calleary is also correct in saying that the programme for Government includes having an independent chair and a casting vote. It is the view of Government that this system needs radical reform but not wholesale abandonment. We need to have a balanced and fair system for setting wages and one that is able to respond quickly to changed circumstances. Much of what is here is archaic in the way it was formulated. It is too cumbersome in the way it responds and it is too inflexible. We can achieve radical reforms without abandoning this system and this is my ambition.

On the question of the timescale, it would be the ambition to be in a position to substantially move or indicate the direction of legislation within the 100 days framework but getting legislation through the House would necessitate debate in committees. The Government will not guillotine legislation in a new reformed Dáil but it will be necessary to give time for the House to consider this issue.

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