Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will deal with some of the issues raised. The coercive issue raised by Senator Norris and others that if the trade union members do not accept this, the consequence will be worse. Let me be very clear. I believe in the principle of solidarity. If the employer opens the books and says there is a crisis and that he or she wants the workers to make a contribution to solving that crisis, it is not reasonable to allow some people to say "No", that they are a unique group and are to be exempted from it.

I do not accept Senator Norris's view of the Judiciary that some of the best paid people should be exempt.