Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Howlin has raised a very important point. He knows from his own experience the importance of being able to deal with issues in advance. Clearly there are concerns in respect of rail workers, bus workers, some teachers, nurses and staff in the medical profession other than nurses. The business of public pay in general is being considered by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

We have had a number of interventions both from unions and business to have discussions about the perspective that lies ahead. Without returning to social partnership, as was, or the employer-labour conference, we are putting in place a mechanism by which people can come and discuss forthcoming issues in a forum that is not a decision-making process but would give the Government a clear indication of their views so that issues do not become siloed. One can have a general discussion about the issues that affect people and the impact they will have on them. As Deputy Howlin is well aware, discussions are about to begin in respect of Brexit and the negotiations that will take place once Article 50 is moved. Unions and employers across a range of sector have turned up at meetings on the issue around the country to give their views, both North and South. The second all-island forum is on Friday of this week in Dublin Castle. I suppose Deputy Howlin will attend it. That is the facility we have in place now and I hope it will continue to prove beneficial without going back to the old social partnership concept of the past.

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