Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What is happening here is that we are respecting the voluntary system which has been important and successful in Ireland. However, where a company chooses not to engage in collective bargaining, we are providing a mechanism whereby workers can ensure they will not be victimised as a result of that practice and that they can take their case under these Acts. This will provide clarity and provide clear definitions for accepted bodies, the bodies that constitute collective bargaining. There have been disputes as to whether these accepted bodies are genuinely independent and the legislation will clarify that. It will also protect workers from victimisation and ensure that only trade unions can take action under this measure. It also prohibits inducements, which have been found in conflict under the Wilson case. Our approach is entirely in line with our obligations under the various legal judgments.

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