Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hear what the Deputy is saying but because there is no trade union representation it is difficult to facilitate a structured engagement that would be equivalent to that which existing recognised trade unions have. There are other mechanisms to allow sectors that do not have trade union representation to input into the process in parallel with the formal negotiations that go on. Whether this is a way to facilitate what the Deputy is looking for I am not quite sure. I would like the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, to address this in a bit more detail rather than me winging it here. Having been in the Department of Defence I know there are other mechanisms through which interests can be represented in the context of public sector pay negotiations and considerations.

I will ask the Minister to revert to the Deputy with more detail in that regard.

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