Kathryn Reilly (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 17:

In page 14, lines 4 and 5, to delete “in a collective agreement” and substitute “in collective agreements”.

These issues were discussed in the Dáil. In the Lower House, the Minister outlined that negotiations on public sector pay are extraordinarily complicated because there are so many unions and so many different agreements. I accept that it is important to take a sectoral approach and that such an approach has been taken with a number of key organisers. In terms of amendment No. 17, we are seeking an assurance that this legislation will not render null and void other agreements outside the Lansdowne Road agreement.

Amendment No. 18 was submitted to seek reassurance that this legislation is not going to render null and void other agreements. In the Lower House, the Minister referred to issues surrounding the striking of different sectoral arrangements between different categories of workers in bilateral arrangements and agreements. Perhaps he could clarify the position for the Seanad by reading his speaking note into the record.