Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yes, it does. They advocate for housing. The representative bodies have been established with a function, to represent their members. The representational nature and function of the representative bodies is in no way stymied or undermined by any provision in this Bill. The inclusion of "without prejudice" is to make that legally crystal clear. The Attorney General and his office are absolutely clear about that.

Otherwise we could have - I have to be careful about the areas - PDFORRA or RACO suddenly commenting on, for example, the Middle East, which could have consequences for our people in the region. Once we open that door, where does it begin and end? I am with the Senator. I am absolutely clear that I want to preserve their rights and add to them. From now on, they will be able to take part in national pay agreement negotiations. They will be at the table, whereas before they were not. That is what this Bill does. That is the real practical de facto outcome of the Bill.