I would like to point out to the House that as there were no amendments it is difficult to see what can be said on Report Stage unless there are outstanding matters relating to undertakings given by the Minister on Committee Stage.
Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Bill, 1988: Report and Final Stages.
Question proposed: "That the Bill be received for final consideration."
Question put and agreed to.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
I welcome the Minister back to the House and I am glad that having combed over this legislation we appear to have agreement generally on it. I was not entirely happy with the lack of concessions on Committee Stage but I accept the need to go ahead with this legislation with the greatest efficiency possible. Therefore, I have no further comment to make on it.
I would like to thank all the Senators who were involved, and particularly Senators Fennell and Hillery who have remained to the end of this particular Bill in the Seanad, for their constructive comments. As far as was possible we have resolved most of the issues that were of major concern to the Senators. I know that some of them remain for further discussion and some of them are probably broader even than this Bill. Even in the last week since we have been dealing with this Bill there has been some further developments in worker participation, in Aer Rianta who have now made their first major move in that regard and Telecom have done likewise. I hope other organisations and State companies will follow and that the Worker Participation (State Enterprises) Bill, 1988, will give a lead not just to the firms and companies and organisations listed in the Schedules but to others as well and also to some firms in the private sector. Finally, I would like to thank Senators and you, a Chathaoirligh, for your co-operation.
Question put and agreed to.