Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To clarify, the working group is not about union negotiations between workers and a private company employer. The working group is about the structures that will be put in place to deliver for the people and the communities. That is what I am interested in. What is the best way of ensuring we have robust structures to deliver best for the people? The union negotiations with workers in these community companies involve private companies. My officials met SIPTU recently this and brought it up to date on these matters. In a couple of weeks time, we will know the structures and we will have further discussions with unions. I am surprised that Deputy Joan Collins, who has strong views about public versus private companies, is not supporting me on this occasion in respect of these private companies. I want public companies accountable to the democratically elected people in local government and to work together to deliver for the people she wants to represent.

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