Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senators for their support and for the lively and robust debate we have had over recent weeks on the various Stages of the Bill. This is a very important step forward in industrial relations and fulfils a significant programme for Government commitment introduced by the Labour Party. I pay tribute to the former leader of the Labour Party, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, who insisted on including this ambition in the programme for Government, not only to fulfil our international obligations to have a constitutionally robust collective bargaining system but to do the right thing by our economy and society.

To be perfectly frank, fairness at work, treating people fairly in the workplace and having fair remuneration and terms of conditions do not contradict the need to have flourishing businesses and a positive enterprise environment. The most successful societies and economies throughout the world manage to balance these principles, which are often considered to be competing. They are not competing principles and they are not binary or opposite principles, they are two sides of the same coin.

The Bill can transform the industrial relations landscape and ensure we have harmonious industrial relations. It is the central ambition of the Bill, which provides for a constitutionally robust framework for collective bargaining and the introduction of sectoral employment orders and registered employment agreements, which can improve workers terms and conditions, provide a level playing pitch and framework for their engagement with employers and ensure employers also compete with each other on a fair and balanced playing pitch.

I am very glad trade unions such as SIPTU, Mandate and others have welcomed the legislation. They see its utility in addressing some of the very high-profile disputes which have occurred in recent times. I hope employers and trade unions will engage in a spirit of partnership to address issues of concern and that the legislation which will enable them to settle very significant issues with legal and constitutional protection. The new provisions on sectoral employment orders and REAs will be welcomed by workers throughout the country, particularly those involved in difficult disputes in recent times and those concerned about the future of their workplace and the future of their companies.

I pay tribute to all of the stakeholders involved in the process. I like to think I have given the process renewed impetus in the 52 weeks I have held this position. This is a programme for Government commitment which is being delivered and I pay tribute to those on the employer and trade union side for working constructively with the Government and departmental officials who have worked extremely hard on the Bill and brought it to this point.It will, I am absolutely certain, promote harmonious industrial relations, fairness and decency in the workplace, and ensure that we can continue to see Ireland as a very positive place for foreign direct investment and promoting our strong enterprise culture.