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

The Deputy is making an argument for statutory regulation of professional representatives but the legislation deals with the Labour Court adjudicating on cases brought before it. The cases can be brought by individuals, their trade union official or, if they choose, a lawyer but it is not appropriate that the court would seek to introduce regulatory standards in respect of various professions that might hold themselves out to assist people in presenting their case. It is not reasonable to expect the court to provide the regulatory environment for all the potential advisers that might offer their services. This is not appropriate to this Bill. I am not sure it is appropriate anyhow to adopt such an approach but it is unreasonable to expect the Labour Court to set up a regulatory structure of that nature for barristers, solicitors, trade union officials and so on when people can representative themselves. They are regulated by their trade union or professional body and that is a reasonable approach.

See this speech in context