Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I join Senator O'Toole in calling for a debate on social partnership. Pope Benedict, in his third encyclical, refers to a new economic order and discusses justice and truth. Social partnership is necessary and Oireachtas Members must be part of the process. I appeal to the Leader to invite the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the House to inform Senators of the role she will play, with the TEEU, in solving the industrial dispute which is having a profound impact. It is vital that the Minister engages to ensure the parties sit around a table and bring the action to an end. Never in the history of the State has the need for good industrial relations been so great. It behoves all of us to do what is best for the country in order that we can preserve, protect and create new jobs.