David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I intended to raise a different issue but I must support the comments of the previous speaker. I was completely unaware of that situation. I also have organised a number of events and meetings at which NGOs were to come in and brief Oireachtas Members on different issues, as I am sure have other Senators and Deputies. It would be appalling and bizarre if Oireachtas Members were prevented from inviting NGOs, voluntary groups, community groups and other groups to address Members of this House, which is exactly what we are paid to do. We are paid to legislate and to listen to people who are experts in their field. If a decision was made by whoever that this is no longer allowed to happen for whatever reason, it is a retrograde step and it needs to be reversed. All political parties need to work together to have decision reversed.

I commend the Leader and the acting Leader on arranging the address last week by the general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. It was a very good discussion. It is important to follow that up with a debate on workers' rights and to address many of the issues that were raised, primarily the need for collective bargaining and trade union recognition but also the issue of zero hour contracts and issues affecting working people. The Leader will know that the Government is preparing to streamline and improve the employment rights bodies through the workplace relations Bill. It would be an opportune time for Senators to have a discussion on how we can help shape that legislation in advance of the Bill being introduced because the trade unions have concerns. There is also the issue of the reform of the joint labour committees, JLCs, and a potential Bill on collective bargaining or something happening in that area. A debate on this area would be constructive. We would be able to bring to it the views of the trade unions and of working people in terms of what they would want. I ask the Leader to arrange such a debate. I strongly support the views expressed by Senator Conway.