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

The Constitution of course respects freedom of association, but it also respects the voluntary nature of these processes. The Deputy will be aware that our system has been examined by the ILO and found to be in conformity with the requirements. I agree with the Deputy that this is a balanced approach and that it does not fulfil all of the ambitions of either the employers' groups or the workers' groups. My officials and I have engaged over a lengthy time with both sides to find a solution that is fair and balanced. That is what we are delivering. It is not possible for a solution to suit only one side or the other. What is arrived at must be a balanced measure, which is what we have delivered.

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