Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Cullinane. The purpose of the amendment is to allow an employer sign up to an existing REA as a new party to the agreement. However, section 8 already provides for a mechanism by which an REA can be varied in its application to any worker or workers to whom it applies. In this regard, the variation provisions under section 8 would allow for an application by a new employer to become party to an existing REA, subject to one of the existing parties to the agreement making the application to the court. Alternatively, it is always open to an employer to enter into a separate collective agreement involving the same terms and conditions with a trade union and have that registered with the Labour Court. The amendment might also have the consequences of permitting an employer become party to an REA against the wishes of the original signatories and also and then to seek to have it modified, also contrary to the wishes of the original signatories. For the reasons outlined I cannot accept the amendment.