David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The problem is the trade unions, including the head of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, are saying there is a real problem here. Whatever about the role of the just transition commissioner, Bord na Móna is not engaging with the trade unions and the workforce. The problem for all of us in here is we want to see a just transition policy, framework and architecture in place that work but if that allows for Bord na Móna to opt out or if that gives Bord na Móna a veto so it does not have to engage, then we have a problem. The just transition policy may as well be torn up. That is what the trade unions and workers' representatives are saying. Bord na Móna is not engaging with the Workplace Relations Commission.

We are saying that we can have a just transition policy but if Bord na Móna or the ESB refuse to engage with the industrial relations machinery then that is just tough luck for those workers. That means we do not have any just transition policy. This is not related to all the measures the Minister spoke about that were in the budget and that Kieran Mulvey will have responsibility for such as the retrofit programme and the rest of it. It is the issues around those workers transitioning into jobs and the protection of their jobs that is the real concern for them. I hope the Minister understands there is a problem and a difficulty here that needs to be dealt with.

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