Critical utilities strike rules
Senator Feargal Quinn seeks continuation and expansion of debate on legislation restricting strikes in essential utilities such as water, electricity and transport.
I was amazed to hear the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport mention on the radio recently the possibility of a rail strike. We debated such a scenario during the debate on the critical utilities Bill. Eight countries in Europe do not allow strikes to take place in certain critical utilities. The debate on the Bill was adjourned. I ask the Leader to arrange for us to continue the debate and to consider widening the debate. The Bill dealt with water and electricity. Perhaps we should consider adding other essential utilities. The danger posed by a strike could do great harm to the country and, therefore, we should take steps to widen the debate.