Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim mo chomhghairdeas leis an Aire agus leis an Aire Stáit, an Teachta Nash, maidir leis an mBille seo. This is one of the most far-reaching pieces of legislation we have seen in the House in many a long year. There is now collective bargaining, whereas in the past a company could have decided not to deal with a trade union. This issue dates back to 1913, prior to the foundation of the State, when Jim Larkin led the Lockout. Employers now have to engage with workers.

It is also extremely important that once again we have registered employment agreements which had been struck down by the Supreme Court. They affect some of the most vulnerable in society. This was a major consideration for the trade union movement when negotiating on the issue of Aer Lingus.

Although the Low Pay Commission is not referred to in the Bill, it is very much part of the package. The legislation has gone through and the first report is due, I believe, in a week's time or thereabouts. We can now talk about raising the minimum wage and having a living wage. We can look at matters in that context.

This package of proposals is a huge step forward in industrial relations. It will ensure proper pay and conditions and decent standards of work to a much greater degree than in the past. I pay full tribute to all those involved in producing the Bill, including the civil servants and the Ministers of State, Deputies Damien English and Gerald Nash. It is welcome that it was prioritised in the programme for Government.

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