Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I believe the approach taken in the section is wrong and should be reconsidered. The Minister has experience of previous industrial relations disputes in which there was a threat of sustained strikes. I imagine he does not want to see a breakdown in public sector union relations in any area but especially the education sector. That would not be good for the country and it certainly would not be good for children and others being educated. I, therefore, urge the Minister to examine the matter within a comprehensive economic and mediation framework. I urge him to seek to resolve the matter without this section coming to pass. It really is not in the best interests of the education sector. As I said before, the Minister should recall that the teacher unions and their members have been exemplary contributors to the recovery of the economy. He should bear that in mind.

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