Taoiseach says there should be a derogation for Dáil as Leinster House picket looms

Unions have not extended an existing work-to-rule arrangement to next Wednesday’s strike, raising uncertainty over whether the Dáil can sit

Micheál Martin has pushed back on suggestions that striking workers may picket Leinster House next week. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

There does not need to be a picket outside Leinster House next Wednesday, the Taoiseach has said, arguing that a derogation should be in place for the Dáil.

Micheál Martin has pushed back on suggestions that striking workers may picket Leinster House next week, saying parliamentary democracy “is not something we should take lightly”.

However, multiple sources have confirmed that Leinster House staff have not been granted a derogation by unions to carry out their work next Wednesday.

A picket outside Leinster House is now expected, raising questions about whether the Government will allow a Dáil sitting to go ahead.

Mr Martin said he believed a derogation should be in place for Leinster House, describing the operation of the Dáil as an “expression of the democratic will of the people in parliament”.

“I'm elected directly by the people to represent the people, to legislate for the people, and that's something I take very seriously,” Mr Martin said.

Asked if this meant he would cross a picket line, Mr Martin said: “I made my position clear in terms of where I think there can be derogations and there doesn’t need to be a picket.

“I'm saying to all concerned, parliamentary democracy matters and we shouldn’t just be lightly chipping away at it, because that could have unforeseen consequences into the future in different contexts and in different situations."

Mr Martin said he did not believe the basis existed for industrial action.

“I don’t believe the public should have to endure that because there have been significant tax cuts in the budget, which will help workers.” 

He pointed to the €1.2b provided for public sector pay talks in Tuesday’s budget saying: “If that’s not a platform for negotiations, I don’t know what is.

“There is a basis here for negotiations. Let’s get around the table and let’s discuss, like we did at the last occasion and on the occasion before that, in good faith, a new public service pay agreement.”

Derogation dispute 

A derogation for Leinster House staff had been granted by unions for the ongoing work-to-rule period, allowing workers to work beyond their normal hours while the Dáil is sitting late.

The derogation has not been extended to next week's strike action.

The dispute follows a row at the Dáil's Business Committee on Thursday over whether the Dáil should sit at all, with Chief Whip Mary Butler adamant that the sitting will go ahead.

Labour TD Duncan Smith, who sits on the committee, urged the Government to reconsider and engage with public sector unions.

“The Government should not do anything to inflame the situation,” Mr Smith said, urging the Coalition not to hold a sitting on Wednesday.