Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yes. We did not get the opportunity yesterday to mark International Workers' Day, which was quite understandable given the shocking health scandal that we continue to discuss today. It is important to recognise International Workers' Day. It was recognised in fine fashion by the President yesterday when he unveiled the Starry Plough in the presidential garden to commemorate the Lock-out of 1913. It was commemorated by my union SIPTU with a day of solidarity and entertainment for the homeless of Dublin yesterday, another fine gesture by the largest union in the country. As has been mentioned, it was acknowledged by TV3 employees who went out on a four hour protest. It is deeply shocking that an organisation such as TV3 refuses to acknowledge the right to join trade unions. It is not alone. Newstalk refuses to acknowledge its members' right to join trade unions. The hotel industry in general refuses the right of its workers to join trade unions. The private nursing homes, for which there are cheerleaders in this Chamber, refuse to acknowledge the right of people to collective bargaining, as do the private home care providers. It is about time this Chamber had a debate on the role of trade unions in society-----