Alex White (Labour)

The issues in amendment No. 8 are similar. They reflect the point that it is unquestionably preferable that where agreement can be reached in regard to these issues, it should be sought, pursued and obtained, whether in the workplace or nationally. I have heard a viewpoint, although not necessarily in this Chamber, that it is better for the unions to be seen to be beaten. That is a point which lurks around the debate. People never quite say but that is what they mean, that is, that if one can land a defeat on the trade union movement, that constitutes an achievement. Does it mean these faceless bond market people will pick up the Financial Times and read the trade unions are being smashed in Ireland? Is that it? What sort of view would seek to sustain that suggestion that not only should we take the unions down a peg or two but that we should visit a historic defeat on them? I am tempted to refer to Mr. Scargill but I will not.

Senator Twomey's amendment is important and raises the many issues that lie at the heart of what happened a couple of weeks ago. I am not sure this is the way to resolve it but it is important we have an opportunity to touch on this issue again by debating it.