Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I will certainly say that to the Minister, Deputy Burke. It has been the clear and consistent policy of successive Governments to promote collective bargaining through both legislation and the development of an institutional framework that supports a voluntary system of industrial relations. It is therefore hugely important that we continue to protect the measures that were put in place to support collective bargaining within a voluntary industrial relations framework that has served us well to date.

The Minister believes that a strong and well-functioning collective bargaining system supports productivity and fair wages, especially in the low-paid sectors.Furthermore, the capacity to engage effectively in collective bargaining is a key element of the adequate minimum wage directive. The Government hopes to further support the social partners in this area.