Croke Park II legislation
Deputy Collins asks whether legislation is ready for possible €300 million public-service cuts if Croke Park II talks fail; the Tánaiste outlines the Labour Relations Commission and Cabinet timetable.
I asked the Taoiseach this question yesterday and, seeing as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin, is in the Chamber, maybe he can throw some light on it. I am not asking where negotiations are on Croke Park II. Has legislation been drawn up to introduce cuts of €300 million on 1 July as was the case with IBRC when it was wound up? There was legislation waiting. How soon does must it be brought into the Dáil if talks do not take place?
Comment on this
The Taoiseach answered this question yesterday. The position is that the chief executive of the Labour Relations Commission has been given additional time to have direct discussions with individual trade unions. He will report to the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform on Monday and the Minister will report to the Cabinet on Tuesday. Then it will be a matter for the Government to decide what is to be done.