Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I, on the other hand, have a different view entirely to that expressed by Senator McDowell. Setting aside the rights of employees and employers, the amendment proposed is disproportionate and it should be rejected because it is counterproductive to the ethos that the Bill sets out to establish.

We are not talking about negotiation. I am aware that I stated this previously and that I am repeating what I said. We are talking about consultation and information. It seems, therefore, that amendment No. 25 is changing the entire ethos of the intention in the Bill and in the European directive.

The concept in use in Ireland for many years is not to force an employer, without good reason and some consensus, into information and consultation when it might not be appropriate or the timely course of action. The amendment, combined with those others on the employee representation, would mean that a trade union representing a tiny minority of employees could force an employer unreasonably into negotiation. That is not why we are here.

We will discuss the trigger mechanism in a moment because we are covering a range of topics at this stage. However, I wish to touch on that point in respect of the amendment proposed by Senators O'Toole and McDowell. It is correct to turn this down. It would change the ethos of the objective of this legislation, which is about consultation and information, not negotiation. The Minister of State must hold firm on that particular area.