Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My apologies. The Minister's father was. I do not denigrate unions but I am concerned about their role when it comes to management and how far they go in that regard. I heard a story recently about a nursing home in which HIQA recommended that patients were fasting for too long and should be given tea and a biscuit at 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. in the evening. HIQA said they should not be given their last tea break at 4.30 p.m. in the evening but the unions objected to the change. That should not be the case if we are in favour of public service. We are talking about conflicts of interest and people not using public office for private gain. I do not say there is corruption per sebut a balance must be struck. Such issues must be examined in terms of a wider discussion on the role of the public sector and standards therein. It is timely that such issues are discussed.

Roads are a significant bugbear of mine and of many public representatives. For years I have tried to get local authorities to employ private contractors on a temporary basis to relieve flooding on roads, such as we saw in recent weeks. Considerable damage results when such work is not carried out. The reason is that unions will not allow management to hire private contractors to relieve flooding on roads. Such matters erode trust in the public sector and public administration. They cause difficulty and we must have more openness and transparency in the debate. We need further accountability. The legislation is a welcome step towards enhancing the public sector and working towards accountability. I very much welcome the introduction of the Bill. I hope it will be the first step in a process that will go much further.

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