Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The second grouping, amendments Nos. 2 and 26, deals with the definition of appointment of employees' representatives. The issue of allowing employees' representatives to be appointed arose on Committee and Report Stages in both Houses. It was also raised in bilateral discussions with the social partners.

Having given the matter much consideration, I formed the view that it is important to provide for the appointment of representatives to cater for situations where employees do not want a formal election process or feel it is unnecessary. I was anxious to accommodate those enterprises where there is already good practice in this area. Having listened carefully to the arguments put forward in both Houses and after consultations with the social partners, it is vital that where employees wish to receive information on consultation with representatives, there is trust and support for those representatives and they are truly representative of the employees.

I introduced these amendments to alter the definition of "appointment" to ensure employees have control over the process of appointing their representatives. There was agreement on all sides of the House on that principle. At the time I did not have a means for altering the definition. I believe these amendments are a suitable means of doing so.