Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

As Senator Norris has stated, the reference to trade union representation should be retained. Our concern in bringing forward the proposal was the awareness that migrant workers, in particular, might not necessarily have such representation. With Senator Norris's permission, I will withdraw amendment No. 71 and resubmit it on Report Stage in a new format which refers both to a trade union representative and-or specified persons.

I take this opportunity to note that the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is very grateful to the Minister for an amendment made in the Dáil to include the right of workers to be represented by their union in proceedings before an adjudicating officer of the Labour Court. However, a further amendment is required in this regard to section 42 (11), which I intend to bring forward on Report Stage, to include trade union representation at mediation as well as at proceedings before an adjudicating officer of the Labour Court.