Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

Subsection (9) referred to by Senator McDowell has been very carefully crafted after extensive discussions with trade unions. Every word was carefully negotiated through a number of long nights. I am satisfied it is balanced in guaranteeing that staff will not be brought to any less beneficial conditions of service or remuneration, including conditions in regard to tenure of office, than those to which they were subject immediately before the relevant appointed date. That section gives substantial protection to staff.

Amendment No. 43 is not necessary because the drafting in section 12(12) is in order. The reference to section 29(4) of the 1998 Act is correct as this refers to the position before "the Dublin appointed day". The new text of section 29, as inserted by paragraph 14 of the Schedule, only applies after that day so, therefore, that matter is correct. Overall, section 12 is designed to give maximum protection to existing workers at our three State airports. If the Seanad agrees, they will now have a statutory undertaking that they cannot do worse than they are currently doing. Many of us around here would love to have that guarantee.