Senator proposes law against strikes by utilities workers

The Government has criticised plans from a Senator to make it illegal to go on strike under certain conditions.

Senator Feargal Quinn wants to make it illegal to go on strike if it disrupts essential supplies, such as water, gas or electricity.

It would mean anybody who deliberately goes out of their way to cause such disruption would be committing an offence.

Minister Pat Rabbitte has described the proposal as "anti-constructive".

It comes less than two weeks before ESB workers prepare to go on an all-out strike that could result in blackouts.