It is widely acknowledged that social partnership involving employers, employees and Government has been the driving force of change in the workplace in recent years. It is appropriate that I pay tribute to the president of the ICTU, Senator Joe O'Toole, who has played such an important role in national agreements. He is very progressive, as has the ICTU. The social partnership process has been backed up by a well balanced range of employment rights and labour legislation which, together, are designed to stimulate employment and provide an appropriate framework for the purpose of achieving an efficient and competitive business environment.