Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I also welcome the fact that An Garda Síochána will now be able to access the industrial relations mechanisms of the State, and its access to the right to collective bargaining and industrial action. This is a positive Bill. I regret, however, that the amendment tabled by Deputy Quinlivan has not been allowed. We have heard over a long period of time of the difficulties members of the Defence Forces face, given that they have no mechanism with which to address their issues. The amendment was ruled out of order so I cannot speak on it, but I express the regret of the Labour Party that this has not been decided by the Government or made possible for the opposition to include the members of the Defence Forces and the many issues that face them, not least in terms of the amount of pay they receive.

Will this be taken into account? Will consideration be given to members of the Defence Forces and the fantastic work they do for the country for little monetary reward and with no access to the organs of the State to have their case heard? While the measures in the Bill are positive, it could have done much more.

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