Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I asked the Minister if he had a proposal for this legislation, if he goes ahead with it, as to when he plans to enact this section. An art of being a negotiator and negotiating change in, and supporting, institutions is to grasp opportunities as they arise to resolve situations which have become extremely difficult. In his public statements, the Minister has indicated a strong desire to do that. He was Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in a period when there were several transport strikes which threatened public transport and the commuters who use it. That was resolved through resolution work and mediation. I suggest to the Minister that he should adopt the same approach and perhaps come back to us on Report Stage since he is perhaps not in a position to give an indication now. When Deputy Calleary moved his amendment to have a study on the impact of restoration, the Minister, who is to be commended for it, agreed to do that. That was completely sensible. In parallel to that, to send a signal that this is an issue that requires resolution, it makes sense for the Minister to stay his hand on this and to provide for the information to be received. He acknowledged that the November tax returns were very good. We need wage growth for the recovery of the economy. Any economist will tell the Minister that. If he wants to resolve the housing crisis or the homeless crisis, that is part of what is needed. I am putting forward a completely sensible proposition. While the Minister may not be able to address this issue right now, I would be happy to bring forward a proposal either privately or for Report Stage and that he could address this then.

The Minister's predecessor, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, was very gung-ho about transport strikes when he first became Minister, then it dawned on him that it would be very difficult for, and would impact with extraordinary negativity on, people who use public transport and a resolution was found after much talking. I suggest the Minister turns to a level of mediation and of resourcing, since it requires resources which are there, and offer a timescale which will address this issue in a more timely way than what he has proposed, given the circumstances. He is always saying that if circumstances change, he can change his mind. The economic circumstances have changed, so the Minister has space.

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