Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My ambition is that we get to a point where all unions are participating in this agreement. Twelve to 18 months ago many Members here claimed that collective agreements had come to an end because of the difficulty caused by the stance of Garda unions but the Lansdowne Road agreement was stabilised and we negotiated a new agreement to take its place. Deputy Burton asked last night if I valued collective agreements. Many times in that period I said collective agreements are the fairest and most affordable way to manage industrial relations within our country but if someone is looking for an agreement there has to be a benefit to being in it. If there is no benefit what is the point in coming up with an agreement and balloting on it?

In response to some of the other questions, of course I acknowledge the contributions of teachers and public servants. Results this week show that our students at primary and second levels are among the strongest in Europe in terms of literacy and numeracy. That reflects the contribution our teachers make. I was in St. Laurence O'Toole primary school in North Wall this morning and was again reminded at first hand of the amazing contribution all our teachers, special needs assistants and teaching assistants make to looking after young boys and girls and giving them the best start in life.

Section 21 is consistent with other legislation to date, particularly the Acts of 2013 and 2015, in that it recognises that benefits will be concentrated on people inside the agreement. It is my ambition to get everyone into the agreement. There are processes in place to deal with some of the issues being raised and we will over time get to the point where all unions are in the agreement by doing the kind of work we have done over the past 12 to 18 months, engaging in a responsible way with unions and negotiating with them to come up with agreements that are fair and affordable.

Several Deputies referred to Exchequer returns, the economy and so on but we are using the health of the economy over the next few years, which we hope will not be endangered by developments such as Brexit and developments elsewhere, to pay for this agreement. That health and the pay rates that will be legislated for in this agreement also give us the ability to hire more teachers, nurses and civil servants in the future.

That is why I commend this section and the Bill to the House.

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