Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

However, I cannot collapse the FEMPI legislation because I will not undo the economic progress we have made as a nation.

Senator Terry Brennan echoed what was said on the local authority members' issue.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames talked about the punitive measures under section 4. I respect anybody who does not want to be part of a collective agreement, but people cannot be half in and half out. One cannot say, "I am not part of the collective agreement but, please, give me all of the good bits." Until the HRA runs out, we will honour it. It dovetails with the Lansdowne Road agreement, into which most unions have bought and that will happen from next year. If people wish to exclude themselves, that is their business. I would prefer if everybody was in because that would mean an orderly walk towards full restoration on a fair and negotiated basis, but union members cannot be allowed to benefit without fulfilling the negotiated agreement because their colleagues would expect them to do so.