Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply, although it seems that the labour relations machinery should have been put at the disposal of those involved in this dispute far earlier. Can the Taoiseach confirm that it will be a permanent arrangement in terms of access to the industrial relations machinery? The reality is that they got left at the end of a long queue for far too long while the Government spoke to other unions and did deals with the unions in the past 12 months or so.

That is a factor in this dispute.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has indicated that he is now contemplating bringing forward the completion date for the Lansdowne Road agreement. When this Government was formed, we were prepared to confirm our support for that agreement in the confidence-and-supply arrangement. Six months later, however, and in light of statements by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, it is clear that is beginning to unravel. Can the Taoiseach indicate whether the GRA and the AGSI will be included in the talks on the successor to the Lansdowne Road agreement that the Minister has indicated will be brought forward? Will the agreement be of a shorter duration than that originally envisaged by this Government? That is important for certainty and inclusivity and could prevent further issues down the line. Will the Taoiseach indicate the Government’s general position on the Lansdowne Road agreement and when we can expect to get the contingency plans if the strike goes ahead on Friday?

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