Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Regarding the talks proposed by the WRC, I am sure it understands and is aware of the situation and the relationship the Department has with the job clubs and local employment services, LES. It is not a case of the Department being the direct employer, and especially not now when we know a private company has stepped into that role. The WRC has invited representatives of the Department to what are exploratory talks, and I am sure the WRC has the knowledge and wherewithal to know the relationship between the Department and the job clubs in Laois and Offaly. The private company which has won the contract and taken over the services in that area has refused to recognise SIPTU for collective bargaining processes. In this day and age, that is inappropriate. SIPTU has represented workers in job clubs in Laois-Offaly for 25 years. In 2022, it is hard to believe that any company would deny or refuse to recognise a trade union such as SIPTU.

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