Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister has granted exactly what Fianna Fáil had asked for and exactly what Fórsa had asked for during the past few weeks, namely, that talks would start. This is a major announcement and we welcome it. It is the start of a process but it is what the WRC asked for almost five years ago. The secretaries have had to take industrial action and I commend them on the action they have taken so far to get to this point. However, as is usual with this Government, and as I said during my contribution an hour ago, it always seems to let things fester before it eventually agrees to talks, and now it has happened during this Dáil debate this evening. It is a pity it did not happen before that but I acknowledge it is a step forward. It is what we have asked for. I just do not know why the Government had to put everybody through so much hassle to get to this point.

See this speech in context