Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste pointed out that workers in trade unions enjoy better pay, terms and conditions. He argued that the tech sector is non-union and goes higher again. Of course, one of the reasons it goes higher again is precisely to keep out trade unions. The Tánaiste gave various reassurances to tech workers, but he did not give them the reassurance that I asked for. Although we will have legislation next year, as the Tánaiste said, I asked for legislation that provides for mandatory trade union recognition.

Of course, the actions of the tech bosses raise the question of whether this industry should be run by billionaires in the interest of profit in the first place, or by society in the hands of society. It also raises the question of the cosy relationship between right-wing government and those companies. To that end, I have a supplementary question. Press reports this summer told us that European Court of Justice hearings were expected by Department officials to take place this autumn, paving the way for a final ruling next year on the Apple tax case. Incredibly, the Government is still objecting to the State being awarded nearly €14 billion in taxes owed to it. Can the Tánaiste update the House on the position now with regard to the timing of those European Court of Justice hearings?

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