Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

I understand the points made by Senators O'Toole and McDowell on this amendment and understand why they have some concerns. I welcome Senator Quinn's comments on my having stated I would table technical amendments. One of the amendments is not technical but I will deal with it later. It arises from an agreement with the social partners and, as I indicated on the last occasion we dealt with this matter, the agreement is probably unique in that it may be the only agreement with the social partners regarding this legislation. This makes the job considerably more difficult.

We must have a definition of the word "appointed" because the term arises later in the Bill. Senator O'Toole acknowledged that and indicated he has difficulties with the provision for appointment by the employer. We have included the current definition because it already exists in several Acts. We expect that in many enterprises, or undertakings, as I should say in respect of this legislation, employees will choose to have the same people represent them on the information and consultation forum as already represent them at other fora. By allowing this, I hope people will embrace the concept of providing information and consultation much more quickly. In any event, the principle behind the inclusion of the reference to appointment by the employer on a basis agreed with the employees already works extraordinarily successfully in respect of other legislation.