Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not going to pre-empt the talks between my Department and the representative associations. I would like to get this work concluded as soon as possible. It is in everybody's interest that we put in place the recommendations of the report compiled by Mr. Barry. Much work has gone on in the background and I understand the cost will be met by means of the existing resources of the Department. However, I can come back to the Deputy on that. I do not think there will be a large cost involved. I am not aware of that. I can come back to the Deputy.

It is fundamental that we implement the changes to the conciliation and arbitration scheme recommended in the Barry report. I encourage PDFORRA and RACO in this regard. This matter could be resolved in a very short time and there is no reason the new, independently-chaired scheme cannot be ready before the summer.

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