Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy has raised an important point about contact between the social partners and the Government. While I said that I have no intention of returning to the formal process that existed before, in the meetings we have had with the social partners we have made it perfectly clear that the line is always open, either on an individual ministerial basis or directly to the Government. I have made it clear to the social partners, as has the Tánaiste, that if there is an issue that needs immediate attention or requires the availability of the Government, that line is open. While I, as head of Government, and the Tánaiste meet with the social partners in formal session twice a year, each individual Minister and member of the Government is available to the social partnership. That is why in this case, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, outlined what the process was for dealing with this particular dispute in Cork, which has now dragged on for some time. He appointed his own departmental officials to discuss with the workers' union representatives the clarification of a number of issues there. Following that, the Labour Relations Commission invited both parties to a meeting on 17 January, which resumed on 20 January and was then suspended. I would hope that this process can be resumed because this dispute needs to be sorted out. The people concerned need to have it resolved.

Last week, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform set out for the House the position concerning the Croke Park agreement. Deputy Martin is aware that a review of the agreement is pending in March this year. We have already made a number of claims in regard to Croke Park being implemented in full. We need this because it is an important element of the relations that exist between the public sector and the Government. It is also an element that is clearly referred to in the memorandum of understanding with the troika. All the issues in respect of the Croke Park agreement are due for review at the end of spring.

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