Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

It is always important during challenging times to look for a glimmer of hope. There was a glimmer of hope recently on the part of the trade union movement that has gone unnoticed. An instruction was sent to members not to co-operate with specified political parties but that instruction has now been withdrawn - I have seen the letter - and the element of partisanship removed. That is a sign of courage which is particularly important at this time.

What is happening at the Passport Office amounts to a misuse of the strike weapon. I have been a trade unionist all my life. I have been secretary of a trade union and stood on the picket line when necessary. Who is really suffering at the Passport Office? Generally, those who seek a passport as a matter of urgency are people who wish to visit sick relatives, attend funerals and have saved, as we heard in a recent debate, to take their children on holiday.

Each time I have spoken on this issue I have asked for a resumption of talks. Regardless of whether they take place as part of the social partnership process or under another structure, talks are required but we must start from the premise that in the current economic climate it is clear that the cuts imposed will not reversed. However, there is a way forward which may help lower paid workers. The way forward is that the main discussion should be about root and branch reform of the public sector. In that way it is possible that some of the things taken from the workers could be returned to them.

I am not opposed to the Minister for Foreign Affairs coming to the House but it would be the wrong focus because he can only deal with the problem as it affects the Passport Office. There are much bigger issues involved. Therefore, we must deal with the problem in a much more comprehensive way. As a first step, what is happening at the Passport Office should stop and the Government should respond positively to the courage shown by the trade union movement recently.