Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I am surprised at this amendment because Fine Gael is a party with regard for strong law and order principles. One can only imagine the chaos that would ensue if we did not have the kind of protection offered in this section. I do not accept that gardaí are workers like any others. They are intrinsically involved in the security of the State and have responsibilities and powers a person in a normal job does not have. It would create an impossible position if we did not have the protections of this section.

Over the years partnership systems have evolved which have led to dialogue between members of the force, their employers and the State. Most trade unions operate responsibly. In the 1970s and 1980s when we had high unemployment and much difficulty with industrial relations, a maturing of attitude and approach to industrial relations took place, particularly in the private sector. This has facilitated a partnership approach in most companies which has avoided withdrawal of labour as an addendum to negotiations. This is good and healthy and has served us well economically.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of the public service. Perhaps this is because public service management has been particularly weak in dealing with industrial relations issues. For example, when local government reform was introduced, an embargo was placed on the external recruitment of people to senior positions, which were to be filled in-house. As a consequence, while many good people were promoted, there are also many round pegs in square holes. The unfortunate consequence of that is that the public and taxpayers will get an extremely poor return over a number of years until these people go through the natural wastage process of retirement and whatever else.

We need to bring the operation of industrial relations mechanisms within the public service into line with what is happening in the private sector. It needs to become much more modern in its approach. It would be a backward step to accept the proposed amendment.