Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response, which was very disappointing. Sinn Féin has consistently stood with workers. We have introduced a number of Bills, for example, the Banded Hours Contract Bill, to address key issues of concerns but we have been thwarted at every turn by the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties. I commend Deputy David Cullinane who will introduce legislation on this issue next week. The Industrial Relations (Right to Access) (Amendment) Bill proposes to place the right of access to trade union membership on a statutory footing. It will also protect the right of workers to engage with a trade union in line with a measure in operation in New Zealand. I encourage all Deputies to support the Bill when Second Stage is taken next week. We must put a stop, once and for all, to the race to the bottom and protect ordinary workers who work hard and are the backbone of the economy.

See this speech in context