Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am speaking to amendments Nos. 13 to 16, inclusive, in particular, where mergers can go ahead without the agreement of the staff trade unions. We were discussing this last night.

If there is reform in any sector, the staff are vital and must be on board for anything to succeed. One can see, even with the junior certificate reform, the need for engagement of the staff and the staff to buy into it.

Last night the disconnect between the Minister's conviction that this would be good for the colleges and staff and the concerns that the staff have being bringing both to us - I met some of the staff last night outside - and through their trade union came across. I will not go back through the history of trade unions in the country, but the Minister will be aware of the work of trade unions in representing and in looking out for the best interests of their members.

How are the staff involved in the merger unless through their trade unions? It is the trade unions which are really pursuing the issues that the staff see as vital. I do not see that as giving a veto to the unions. It is about giving a voice to the members of those trade unions.

I cannot stress enough it is the staff in the institutes of technology who will be key to this going ahead and being successful. Many of the staff have been there for years. It is regrettable that the Minister is not considering that those wishes can be taken on board before a merger happens because, as it stands, a merger can be imposed without an agreement from the staff.

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