Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

It would be incongruous if the Garda and the Army were trade unionised in the normal way, including having the right to strike. One could imagine the social consequences of industrial action by them. Members declare an interest when contributing to debates relevant to their nominating bodies. There is an onus, therefore, on Labour Party Members whose party is a significant benefactor of trade unions, which disturbs many trade union members, to make a declaration in this regard. This is a serious issue, which has arisen on other occasions both here and in the Dáil.