Brendan Howlin Cleaners secure The Fiscal Compact speaks out victory explained Page 6 Page 11 Page 16-17

Vol. 11 No.2 March 2012 ISSN 0791-458X Door-to- Support door sales workers need protection for Jobs By Scott Millar The Government is facing calls for tighter regulation of door-to-door sales compa - nies amid accusations of exploitation within the industry. Plan Liberty has interviewed former workers of RK Corporation, a door to door sales company based in Waterford, who have stated that their earnings were often well below the minimum wage and Grows they were expected to work exces - By Frank Connolly sive hours. Independent Waterford TD, here is a growing Combined with European John Halligan, said; “I intend to support for trade Investment Bank (EIB) partici - raise this issue in the Dáil as it is Tunion movement pation other private money of deep concern that young people proposals to access could be leveraged to take the who are desperate to find employ - the estimated €70 bil - total amount to over €10 bil - ment may be getting exploited for lion held by private Irish lion. very, very small wages. pension funds to create The Construction Industry “It is fundamentally wrong that tens of thousands of Council has estimated that some employers believe that new jobs. every €1 billion invested in because there are large numbers of infrastructure including roads, young people looking for work Following the dramatic schools and hospitals as well that this gives them the right to scenes of thousands of people as water and energy projects treat them as they like. The queuing to enter recent job can generate up to 10,000 jobs Government must ensure that fairs in and pro - which, in turn, would help to these young workers are adequate - moting work opportunities fuel badly needed spending in ly protected and I would also overseas it is evident that the domestic economy. encourage them to join a trade urgent measures are required Expressing his support, union to ensure their rights are to stimulate the economy. the Minister for Public respected.” If accepted by the Expenditure and Reform, A spokesman for energy suppli - Government, the proposals Brendan Howlin, has told er, Airtricity, which was among the would see pension funds that Liberty that he is committed companies whose products were release funds for investment to exploring the proposals sold by RK Corporation, told in jobs and growth getting an from the trade union move - Liberty; exemption from the contro - ment to incentivise private “We will vigorously investigate versial pension levy intro - pension funds. any complaints made against RK duced last year. “There is about €70 billion Corporation or any third party Up to €5 billion could be in pension funds here owned marketing sales agency that is sell - raised for job creation meas - by workers. About 2% of that ing on our behalf and, where nec - ures if the pension funds is invested in this economy. I essary, we will take appropriate were incentivised in this man - think workers want their action to ensure the integrity of ner while a further €2 to €2.5 money that they are putting our sales activities is maintained billion from the National into a pension fund to be at all times.” Pension Reserve Fund (NPRF) active in sustaining jobs could be added to the scheme. Thousands queued outside the RDS for the Working Abroad here,” the Minister said. See page 10 Expo in Dublin on Saturday (3rd March) Picture: Bryan Meade Continued on page 2

ORGANISING FOR FAIRNESS AT WORK AND JUSTICE IN SOCIETY • WWW.SIPTU.IE • JOIN ONLINE 2 Liberty MARCH 2012 News

In this month’s Building workers resist 40% wage cut plan

Building workers attend - up to 40% and down to the level accept it. Our Committee will dis - Liberty ing union meetings across of the minimum wage. cuss the employers demand with the country have expressed Thousands of information every worker - employed and leaflets have been distributed at unemployed - in the Irish con - “shock” at the latest site meetings of construction struction industry. We will urge attempt by building employ - workers informing them of the them to resist this attempt to Vita Cortext support goes ers to cut their wages. extent to the latest attack by return our industry to the 19th global This month has seen the roll building employers. Congress Century.” out of the first phase of a major Industrial Officer, Fergus Whelan, The campaign is expected to be Page 5 campaign in the building industry said; “Plans to create a low-wage, at the centre of discussion at the to combat an attempt by the labour-sweating industry for the SIPTU Construction Sector AGM Construction Industry Federation future will not work because con - which will be held on the 28th (CIF) to slash workers’ wages by struction workers simply won’t March in .

A President for the people Page 9 Threat to voluntary home help sector

The awarding of contracts wide to provide home care pack - tive engagement with the HSE and for the provision of home ages to the HSE and individuals. Government on maintaining high help services to a private 'for Paul Bell said; “The question is standards of home help provision. Liberty View profit' company could lead will this announcement lead to If they are unwilling to engage Page 13 to major job losses in the job creation or job displacement with the union our members will Liberty for our members in the voluntary mobilise in order to protect the ‘not for profit’ voluntary ‘not for profit’ home help sector. service they provide.” sector, SIPTU Health For decades, our members have "It is incumbent on the HSE Division Organiser Paul Bell been providing a high standard of and Government to address issues View has warned. care to the elderly and have been which we brought to their atten - In early March it was very concerned by the tion in 2011 concerning standards Justice for domestic announced that the private com - Government and HSE’s push to of care and conditions of employ - pany, Comfort Keepers, is seeking privatise the service.” ment in the home help sector,” workers to employ over 500 carers nation - “SIPTU is seeking a construc - Paul Bell added. Page 18

The new look Liberty SIPTU calls on Rehab to review Hall Page 19 Galway job cuts

SIPTU has called on Quinn, said; “We are calling on retain their jobs.” RehabGroup Chief Executive, Angela Kerins to oversee a review SIPTU has also renewed its call Angela Kerins, to review the of the decision by Rehab on businesses in the Galway area, Community sector Enterprises to make these workers and beyond, to consider pledging faces cuts decision by Rehab redundant. The majority of the work for the Rehab Enterprises Enterprises to make 18 workers facing redundancy in recycling plant in order to protect Page 22-23 workers redundant at its Galway have disabilities. SIPTU is the workers long-term employ - recycling facility in Galway. willing to participate in negotia - ment. SIPTU Organiser, Michelle tions in any forum which are aimed at ensuring these workers

Artist of the Revolution provides a unique pictorial record A R T of one of the most turbulent eras in modern Irish history. T I I S S T T

In the four years prior to his death on the front steps of O O F Dublin’s Liberty Hall during the 1916 Easter Rising, Ernest F

T Kavanagh, an employee of the Irish Transport and General T H Book Reviews H E Workers’ Union, regularly contributed hard-hitting illustra- E

R tions to Irish labour, nationalist and su rage newspapers. R E E V ese cartoons saw him champion the rights of ’s V O working class, depict William Martin Murphy and the O L L U Dublin Metropolitan Police as murderous monsters during U T T I the 1913 Dublin Lockout, attack John Redmond for his re- I O cruitment of Irish soldiers for the First World War and lend O N N

Continued from Page 1 - Support for Jobs Plan Grows

Page 28-29

his support to the Irish su ragette movement.

is collection of original cartoons by ‘E.K.’ provides us with a fascinating account of an Ireland lled with protest

and social unrest in the years leading up to the Easter J A A M Rising. M E E S S

C C U U R R R R Y Y Y “We are going to have to find a the domestic economy by 5% for turing and service industries the www.mercierpress.iewww.mercierpress.ie ISBN 978 1 85635 948 1

MERCIERMERCIER HISTHISTORYORRYY mechanism for that and this use in selected job generating eco - funds raised through the combina - IrishIrish PubPublisherlisher - IrishIrish StStoryorryy Front cover image reproduced courtesy of the National Library of Ireland Government will engage with the nomic activities in return for tion of private pension funds, unions and the pension funds in exemption from the controversial NPRF and EIB monies could also that endeavour.” pension levy. create jobs in vital infrastructure The proposals envisage private As well as providing venture projects including in the energy, pension funds increasing the pro - capital for the establishment of utilities and transport sectors. portion of their assets invested in new enterprises in the manufac - Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: [email protected] Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, • General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn Advertise in Liberty Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • 01 858 6372 or email [email protected] • Liberty Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • offers very competitive rates for advertisements which reach SIPTU Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett members countrywide Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour Printed and distributed by , City West, Dublin. Liberty 3 News MARCH 2012 SSIIPPTTUU aaccttiivviisstt ccoonnqquueerrss SSttoonnee SSeennttiinneell!! Threat to voluntary home help sector

Our man in the Andes: SIPTU’s Kevin McMahon on top of Mount SIPTU calls on Rehab to review Aconcagua Galway job cuts SIPTU organiser Kevin 22,834 ft peak on 20th February. The squad assembled in Noel Dowling explained: “This at 19,685ft. It was from there that McMahon has reached new Mount Aconcagua – from the Mendoza, Argentina, in early means that the group carries gear Kevin and a colleague made their Inca Ackon Cahuak , meaning Stone February before setting out for Los and food to a higher camp then heights after he conquered daring attempt on the summit. Sentinel – straddles the Chilean Penitentes in the Andean foothills. comes back down to rest for a day The exact details are sketchy but Mount Aconcagua – the and Argentine border. It was first There they teamed with up a group at lower altitude – which is essen - SIPTU sources can confirm that all highest mountain in the climbed in 1897. of gauchos who looked after the tial to avoid altitude sickness –then climbers and guides returned to western hemisphere – last Noel Dowling, of the Hill Walkers mules used to carry gear and climbs back up to the higher camp Mendoza on 22nd February. Noel and Occasional Mountaineering rations for the expedition. and so on.” month. Dowling added: “These are the bare Collective, described Kevin’s The climbers reached Base Camp On 16th February the expedition facts - the nitty gritty of the adven - The mountaineering enthusiast achievement as “a rare feat… only at 14,000 ft on 12th February and left Camp 11 – Chopper Camp – ture will emerge when Kevin from Dublin was one of only two achieved by the most dedicated and from there they began the process of and made their way to High Camp climbers from an eight-person returns.” determined of people”. “carrying, resting and moving up”. – also known as the Eagles Nest – squad that managed to summit the SIPTU NEC calls on Government Legal threat to Lagan Brick workers to suspend Household Charge SIPTU has called for the their legal right to participate in immediate withdrawal of official industrial action. They legal threats made against should be withdrawn immediate - SIPTU’s National Executive Council than those with modest earnings ty levy on those earning over the union and its members ly.” (NEC) has called on the while those on lower incomes €100,000 which would also make participating in industrial On the 29th February the Government to suspend the pro - should be exempt. We call on the up for lost revenues from the pro - action at Lagan Brick, employers representative organisa - posed Household Charge on the Government to suspend the intro - posed Household Charge. Kingscourt, Co. Cavan. tion, IBEC, confirmed that Lagan basis that it is unfair and regres - duction of the Household Charge “The immediate suspension of SIPTU Organiser, John Regan, Brick had refused to attend a sive. until it is replaced by a fair and pro - all unused section 23 tax reliefs Labour Court hearing. It follows unanimous backing for gressive property tax.” and accelerated capital allowances said; “SIPTU members in Lagan Brick voted to take strike action at In a ballot conducted on the 1st a motion on the issue at a meeting The NEC also stated that, as cur - has the potential to save the March, SIPTU members in Lagan of the NEC on 17th February. rently formulated, the proposed Exchequer close to €100m in tax the company’s premises in Kingscourt in early March. The Brick voted almost unanimously It stated: “The Household Charge Household Charge was “playing foregone this year. to take strike action in response to as currently proposed by the into the hands of those wealthy “Restricting landlord mortgage move followed the company’s refusal to attend a Labour Court the company’s decision to ignore Government is a flat tax which is and vested interests who oppose interest relief for both residential standard industrial dispute resolu - unfair and regressive in that it sub - the very principle of a fair and pro - and non-residential properties by hearing aimed at resolving the long running dispute at the brick tion procedures. sidises wealthy people at the gressive property tax system.” 10% would bring in an estimated Workers at the Kingscourt plant expense of middle and low income It also called for the suspension €75m, which together with the sus - manufacturing plant. “Since then a number of legal were informed that the facility families. of legacy property tax reliefs until a pension of the unused tax reliefs was closing only hours before it “The NEC supports the principle more progressive property tax can would more than offset the loss of threats have been made against the workers and SIPTU by the ceased operation on 15th of a fair and progressive property be put in place to generate revenue. €160m in additional tax revenues December. The company refused tax which is proportionate and The NEC continued: “We have from the Household Charge, saving Dublin based legal firm Eversheds on behalf of Lagan Brick. These to honour established redundancy which recognises that wealthy previously called on the the Exchequer up to €175m.” terms for the 25 SIPTU members households can afford to pay more Government to introduce a solidari - threats are an attempt to intimi - date workers who are exercising made redundant. 4 Liberty MARCH 2012 Workplace Profile Talking the talk How art of negotiation has paid dividends for GSK workers

SIPTU Committee members at GSK from left: Michael Murphy, Brendan Cremin, Justin Quirke and GregCotter

By Scott Millar Manufacturing Division. local agreements that the commit- ucts coming off-patent and with views on the committee. Brendan believes the new struc- tee would probably know better the spread of outsourcing to India. “You never knock anybody’s HE SECRET behind a tures are a major improvement. than a full-time official because Workers faced management view – it is not a dictatorship. good workplace com- “Before you were dealing with these are documents we are deal- demands for a major round of cost- “Shop stewards will make mis- mittee is teamwork people from all types of employ- ing with day in, day out,” said com- cutting. takes and say something they and shop stewards ments. Now you’re dealing with mittee secretary, Justin Quirke. Justin remembers that this con- shouldn’t across the table from T other committees who are interest- The basis of industrial relations frontation changed members’ view time to time but that is the learn- who know how to negotiate. ed in what is going on in your own at GSK are the terms and condi- of the union. ing curve.” That is the message from the industry. You're getting feedback tions that were agreed since the “It wakes people up and people Justin added: “Committees need shopfloor at Glaxo Smith on what is happening around the first shift clocked back in 1975. begin to value the union. The idea to know their agreements inside Kline (GSK) in Cork. country – not just locally.” of voluntary and certainly compul- out. What made it better for me Established in 1975, with a com- Information is relayed to union sory redundancies means members when I took over as committee sec- pletely unionised workforce, the members at GSK through notices don’t take what they have for retary was that there were docu- GSK plant in Ringaskiddy currently placed on a SIPTU message board ‘The demands granted and they realise they have ments from the 1980s and ‘90s. employees 270 people. as well as through the distribution to fight for it.” “It is important that these docu- Just over 100 are general opera- of newsletters and Liberty. for cost-cutting This period placed the commit- ments can be accessed when need- tive members of SIPTU who are Committee member, Michael tee under immense pressure but ed. It is also important that the represented by a nine-person work- Murphy also points to the Liberty made members the situation has since stabilised. committee always fully discuss place committee. Online email as being a key point wake up and Workers at the plant successfully issues among themselves before Brendan Cremin is chief shop of contact for keeping updated on defended most of their conditions any meeting with management.” steward and has been a workers’ union affairs. begin to value and minimised job losses. But at the core of the commit- representative for more than 11 Greg Cotter, a shop steward for The company has also recently tee’s success is its relationship years. He, and the other shop stew- the last two years, sees his main the union’ stated that it plans to develop its with members. ards, are elected at an Annual role as dealing with enquiries from manufacturing capacity in Ireland Brendan added: “A committee General Meeting to represent colleagues on a range of issues once again. can only do its work with the full workers spread over a number of such as holiday entitlements, sick According to Brendan, this expe- backing of its membership. shifts. leave and grievances. This document – known as the rience has underlined the impor- Thankfully, that is what we have. Before SIPTU’s restructuring, the “I go to the committee chairman Brown Book – along with about 30 tance of the “art of negotiation”. “When we say something to the GSK Committee was part of the and then, if necessary, he will con- other local agreements were the This, he believes, along with company they know that we are geographically-defined Cork No. 2 tact the sector official,” he said. subject of tough negotiations in prepartion is the key to success. not bluffing. Branch. It is now affiliated to the However, the workplace commit- recent years. “The art of negotiation is not “If they know you don’t have the Pharmaceuticals, Chemicals and tee deals with most issues. Brendan recalls that “things something that you learn over backing of your membership, Medical Devices Sector of the “Most of these would refer to started to turn” in 2007 with prod- night. You listen to everybody’s they’ll just say ‘off with you’.” SIPTU picket at construction depot as jobs go in restructuring process SIPTU placed an official pick - SIPTU Organiser, Graham It has also emerged the company et on the FOSROC depot in Macken, said: “This dispute results is not withdrawing from the Irish Bluebell, Dublin, on 8th from the construction company's market but restructuring its Irish unilateral implementation of redun - operations – a move that has led to March. left, in a dispute to dancy terms without agreement the closure of the Bluebell depot.” secure adequate redundancy with SIPTU. Two administrative staff, two terms for seven workers who “It is a disgrace that an interna - warehouse staff and three sales tional firm, head-quartered in lost jobs in a restructuring staff are affected. Dubai, has pleaded inability to pay process. any ex-gratia payments to those The workers picket outside the Bluebell depot. staff affected.” Liberty 5 Vita Cortex dispute MARCH 2012 Sit-in strikes a chord!

By Scott Millar

ROM Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to F Hollywood star Cillian Murphy, recent weeks have seen the struggle of the Vita Cortex workers attract sup - port from across the globe. With the workers entering their fourth month of a sit-in at the for - mer foam manufacturing plant on the Kinsale Road in Cork, their growing list of famous backers has Joe O’Flynn addresses Vita Cortex protest in Cork in February, above, and Dáil protest in January, below. ensured that their campaign has Vita Cortex workers remained in the media spotlight. have received But the biggest morale boost for messages of the workers was leading 5,000 sup - support from the likes of Cillian porters through the streets of Cork Murphy, left, and on the 11th February. Man Utd manager The Cork Council of Trade Alex Ferguson. Christy Moore, Unions organised march was above, playing at described by SIPTU General the benefit concert. Secretary Joe O’Flynn as a “magnif - icent show of solidarity.” He called on the company own - ers, Jack Ronan and Sean McHenry, to pay the “very modest sum” required to meet the workers what is an obvious injustice. I wish brought to a successful conclu - demand for the outstanding 0.9 ye strength. Fair play to ye all…Up sion.” weeks per year of service they are Cork.” More recently, on the 2nd March, owed. Among the other notables that Tánaiste met a Describing Ronan as a man of have voiced their support for the worker delegation to tell them he “significant wealth” Joe O’Flynn workers are former president Mary said that it should be “easy for a Robinson, American author and would do all he could to bring a man of his means to bridge the human rights activist, Noam swift and successful conclusion to remaining gap.” He said that the Support for Vita Cortex Chomsky, the Bishop of Cork, John the dispute. Minister for Social Protection, Joan Buckley and the Cork hurling man - Sinn Féin President Burton, at the request of the workers grows and grows ager, Jimmy Barry Murphy. called into the plant for an infor - union, had fast tracked the pay - Many politicians have also rallied mal chat with the workers on the ment by her department of the to the Vita Cortex workers cause. 8th March. He assured them of his worker’s statutory redundancy On 3rd February a delegation of they were determined to see justice who had worked for Vita Cortex for continued support in their cam - entitlements of two weeks per the workers and SIPTU organiser, year of service. done. more than 42 years – thanked “the paign to secure all the money they “It is time for the directors to Two days later, Alex Ferguson people of Cork, Munster, Ireland as are owed. The Minister for Jobs, have the moral courage and to do phoned the workers to tell them to far as away Wales and Australia for “as a fellow Innovation and Enterprise, Richard the right thing,” he told the huge “stick in there” until they secured the tremendous support we are get - Bruton also met a delegation of crowd. victory. Singer Christy Moore played ting.” Corkonian with workers in the city as have the an emotional fundraising concert in Among the other musicians who Addressing the rally, SIPTU local public representatives of all Organiser Anne Egar thanked the aid of the workers on the 17th performed alongside Christy on the stubborn tenden - February. night were Declan Sinnott, Vita political persuasions. Cork Council of Trade Unions The people of Cork were once (CCTU) for organising the event The folk legend told a capacity Cortex worker Mick ‘Tana’ O’Brien cies, I salute your and the people of Cork for their audience at the Triskel Arts Centre, and local traditional group, refusal to accept again on the streets in solidarity “support from Day One” for the Cork, that the manner in which the Greenshine. with the workers on 2nd March workers in their struggle to secure workers have been treated was The next day Irish footballing what is an obvious when a candle-lit vigil was held their agreed redundancy terms. “obscene.” great Paul McGrath called into the outside the plant gates. She said the Vita Cortex workers He said victory was essential as plant and chatted with the workers injustice. I wish ye Among the artists and musicians had shown “stamina and princi - defeat would see other employers for over an hour. strength. Fair play who preformed for the crowd were ple” in pursuing their fight for jus - follow Vita Cortex owner Jack After the visit, McGrath said: “To Theo Dorgan, John Spillane, Conal tice and would not succumb. She Ronan’s lead and try to avoid pay - see people being treated the way to ye all…Up Cork.” Creedon, Roy Buckley and Rory added that Vita Cortex owner, Jack ing their employees agreed redun - they are…I think it's just not on. I McCarthy. Ronan, should “pay what he prom - dancy payments. thought Ireland was a better place Talks at the Labour Relations ised the workers and not expect An emotional Jim Power speaking than this.” Anne Egar, met with Taoiseach everyone else to pick up the tab.” on behalf of his colleagues in occu - On the 23rd February, film star . Commission resumed on Tuesday Vita Cortex worker, Martina pation at the plant said that they Cillian Murphy contacted the work - Following the meeting the (13th March), in a fresh effort to Anderson, told the crowd that the had been strengthened by the sup - ers by email. Taoiseach told the Dáil, ““I feel for resolve the long running dispute fight to secure their agreed redun - port across the country and from He told them “as a fellow the workers involved because they and occupation. dancy payments had been hard on far flung places across the world. Corkonian with stubborn tenden - are very decent people…I would SIPTU picket at construction depot as the workers and their families but Addressing the audience, Jim – cies, I salute your refusal to accept like to see this matter being jobs go in restructuring process

› readingreading › writing For more information call: SIPTUSIPTU re, › spelling › formform fillingfilling Tom O’Brien, LibertyLiberty Hall He Tel:Tel: (01) 858 66311311 BBasicasic EnglishEnglish Right › note-takingnote-taking › FETACFETFETAAC English forfor ForeignForeign MembersMembers or SSchemecheme Now › Jean Kennedy,Kennedy, SIPTU CollegeCollege Write Tel:Tel: (01) 858 66498498 6 Liberty MARCH 2012 Interview

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin Picture: Photocall Ireland ‘There are no other options... anyone who thinks there is is talking out of their hat’

By Scott Millar O STATE assets Howlin said: “I hope the trade will be sold if they union movement will understand, are deemed to be Howlin vows to get best deal for tax stay in touch with us. of strategic impor - “Criticise us absolutely but N tance or the best payer in state assets sale or sell nothing understand number one we price is not achievable, haven’t a majority Labour govern - Minister for Public ment, and number two [for] who - Expenditure and Reform ever is in Government now the Brendan Howlin has told but there is no escaping it but it is quid pro quo for that is [workers] hat and they know it, which is the room for manoeuvre is entirely not enough in itself by a long will be flexible in terms of the depressing thing.” limited because the fiscal parame - Liberty . shot. We have to, in parallel to delivery of public services.” The Minister does not back He said: “I’m conscious that the that, have a growth strategy.” He said there has been “remark - away from admitting that he often [European] Commission and the In pursuing growth Howlin is able engagement with workers faces “difficult negotiations” with I don’t think that is in the IMF read Liberty …all I will say is committed to exploring the and management” in achieving both the Troika and his that we have made it crystal clear Congress plan to incentivise the redeployment of public ser - government partners. national interest. I don’t that if there is not a fair deal for investment by Irish private pen - vants and strongly criticised those He accepts that on “first princi - think it is in the interest of the tax payer, we are selling noth - sion funds in the domestic econo - who engage in “uninformed com - ples” concerning state enterprise ing.” my. ment” about the deal. “There are and taxation “the our economy when we Howlin’s declaration follows the He said: “There is about €70 bil - some people who simply want to perspective would be quite differ - announcement last month that want people to spend, that lion in pension funds here owned have a new significant decrease in ent from Fine Gael.” That Labour we suck more [money] the Government is willing to sell by workers, About 2% of that is public pay. I don’t think that is in support may suffer due to the off up to €3 billion of state assets. invested in this economy. I think coalition with Fine Gael, Howlin out.” On the table is Bord Gais workers want their money that believes, is something that must Eireann’s energy business, but not I think workers want they are putting into a pension their money that they be accepted in the short term if ters are set in stone by those who its transmission, distribution or fund to be active in sustaining the greater prize of “restoring eco - two interconnector systems, the are putting into a are delivering our money.” jobs here. nomic sovereignty” is to be Part of the process of restoring ESB's non-strategic power genera - “We are going to have to find a achieved. tion capacity and the non-land pension fund to be economic sovereignty, Howlin mechanism for that and this “The easy political option would believes, is the passing of the assets of Coillte. Government will engage with the active in sustaining have been to lead the opposition, The Minister, however, is European Fiscal Stability Treaty unions and the pension funds in jobs here. be critical of everything, but the referendum. adamant that the Labour Party is that endeavour.” country was faced with such a still in “favour of state enterpris - “There is nothing in it that we The Minister also made clear his the national interest. I don’t think dire calamity that our duty was to are not committed to do already”, es” and “sees a very active role for strong commitment to the Croke it is in the interest of our econo - participate in Government. the state in economic regenera - he claims. Park agreement saying: “There are my when we want people to “The two largest parties togeth - “We signed up when we created tion.” days when I feel I am the only one spend, that we suck more [money] er forming such a significant block But he sees no alternative to the the common currency to rules that who is defending the Croke Park out.” that we could deliver stability, ensured our money maintains its austerity agenda laid out by the agreement because I think it is by Howlin is also strongly critical growth and confidence again.” Troika. He said not implementing value and that is in everybody’s any objective analysis working in of those who state there are He added: “If we achieve our interests. it would result in no money to the national interest. “other options out there” beyond objective, and I’m confident we pay for “hospitals, schools, Garda “The rules that were set out “The deal is very simple. At its accepting the conditions placed on will, we will get our electoral from the very start are now going and other public services”. core is that the State ensures that the ‘bail-out’ loans provided to reward at the end of that.” “The balancing of our books to be implemented in a more rigid there will be no wage cuts and no the state by the Troika. On the Labour Party’s relations form .” exercise is painful, it’s difficult compulsory redundancies and the “They are talking through their with the trade union movement, SIPTU and National Women’s Council launch jobs project SIPTU has joined with the National Currently women are more likely decent employment and outline O’Connor, acting CEO of the NWCI, developed. Qualified adults, a large Women’s Council of Ireland (NWCI) than men to be employed in sec - what supports women need to pointed out that the employment proportion of them mothers, in an “exciting new collaboration” tors characterised by low pay and move into the world of work. status of mothers played a key depend on their partners for their aimed at ensuring that women precarious work. Most part-time A research paper, drawing on determining factor in child poverty own and their children’s income.” transferring from welfare into and casual workers are women. international evidence, will set out in Ireland. Ethel Buckley, SIPTU’s National employment secure decent jobs. Its object is to ensure that what is required for “a positive acti - She said: “Mothers on social wel - Equality and Campaigns Organiser, The project, funded by the women entering the labour market vation strategy for women and fare, particularly lone parents, are added: “This is an exciting new Equality Authority, will target are not simply shifted from the mothers”. at considerable risk of poverty and collaboration. SIPTU and NWCI women currently claiming jobseek - social welfare system into low-paid An advisory group for the project social exclusion. have worked together recently cam - ers benefit as well as lone parents jobs with poor working conditions will also include One Parent “The current classification of paigning to maintain the protec - and the partners of social welfare and low levels of unionisation. Exchange and Network (OPEN) and ‘qualified adult’ reflects the male tions afforded to workers by EROs claimants – more than 90% of It is also hoped the project will the Irish Organisation for the breadwinner model on which the and REAs as part of the Coalition to whom are women. indentify any barriers to securing Unemployed (INOU). Orla Irish social welfare system was Protect the Lowest Paid.” Liberty 7 News MARCH 2012

Majority of drivers at Eddie Stobart support SIPTU industrial action he majority of drivers (23rd February) until 6.00 p.m. on England in an attempt to break the organised vote by drivers which there was no picket in place.” at distribution compa - Friday (24th February) in protest at industrial action by its Irish driv - endorsed industrial action. The Following the thirty six hour ny, Eddie Stobart, sup - the refusal of the company to deal ers. This move followed days of majority of workers boycotted this industrial action Tesco, which is T with roster and fatigue issues. pressure by the company on drivers company run vote and joined in the Stobart’s main customer took legal ported industrial action by SIPTU members SIPTU members also expressed who wished to exercise their legal thirty-six hour work stoppage.” proceedings against five drivers and their disgust at the distribution right to undertake industrial action “There was an unusually heavy local Sinn Fein TD aris - who are seeking discussions company for flying in non- Garda presence at the entrance to ing from the dispute. At a hearing with the company over inad - aimed at highlighting problems of unionised drivers from England in driver fatigue, inadequate rest and Eddie Stobart’s main depot in in the High Court on 24th February equate rest and sub-stan - an attempt to disrupt the industrial Ballymun, Dublin, during the Ellis said that he attended at the dard conditions of employ - sub-standard conditions of employ - action. ment. industrial action. This is a legiti - Ballymun depot during the indus - ment. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Karan The Stobart management held a mate trade dispute and it would trial action as a gesture of support Drivers at the company under - O’Loughlin, said; “Eddie Stobart company-run ballot in an attempt seem to be a considerable waste of for the drivers some of whom are took a thirty-six hour work stop - flew in agency drivers from to undermine a previous SIPTU resources to have gardai stationed his constituents. page from 6.00 a.m. on Thursday at a depot entrance even when Bord na Móna workers vote for industrial action BORD na Móna workers have industrial action strategy. Talks had negotiations then it must be on the overwhelmingly voted for broken down on this issue when basis of real and meaningful dis - industrial action in a bid to Bord Na Móna management made cussions. There is no point in secure a pay increase owed a derisory offer in the Labour going back in to the LRC to repeat Relations Commission (LRC) on the the things we have already said to to them since 2009. 25th January, telling union repre - each other.” The group of unions in Bord na sentatives this was their final posi - He pointed out that Bord Na Móna – comprising SIPTU, TEEU tion. Móna workers were the only group and Unite – conducted a ballot of SIPTU Organiser, Oliver in the semi-state sector not to members in the fortnight leading McDonagh, said: “The unions felt up to 5th March. receive the payment due to them that they had no choice but to bal - under Towards 2016 . The total poll was 1,056 with lot members but are still available 90% casting their votes in favour of McDonagh added: “Bord Na to enter meaningful negotiations Móna has been, and still is, a prof - taking industrial action up to and to resolve this issue.” itable organisation. The Labour including strike action. Bord Na Móna management said Court has ruled that the unions At issue is a 3.5% pay increase it is only available for talks on plus retrospection to 2009 due what they have already tabled –a claim over the first phase of the from the Towards 2016 transition - proposal already rejected by the Towards 2016 transitional agree - al agreement. union members. ment was valid. The court saw no The group of unions will meet in Oliver McDonagh said: “If work - reason why Bord Na Móna workers the coming days to discuss its er representatives are to re-enter should be treated differently.”

ackage VIP P exford s of W OF WEXFORD at White to Hotel | Spa | Convention Centre xclusive e embers SIPTU m t & Breakfasst nights Beded & B 2 nigh Meaall & 1 Eveeningning M ONLY us: Pl fliiffd ]N`e\`ep › 9fkkc\f g\i 99 \njgX d\ekXipE  ` € › :fdgc per person sharing lk Z_\Zb$f le)e) › CXk\ hen avaailablilab g Frrididays wwhen ek (includin Vaalidlid mmididweeke (including ril March & Ap kX`cj ]lik_\i[\ g_fe\]fi mX`cXYc\Æ ]]\ijXcjfX N\\b\e[f 11 053 91223 Ph: exford.ie @whitesofw info exford.ie .whitesofw www fer. ’ special of uote ‘SIPTU Q ilability. bject to ava All offers su 8 Liberty MARCH 2012 News PAC meeting on Skills Fund postponed as audit continues

MEETING of the Dáil up-skill thousands of mainly low amounts of €190,000 which they gating the circumstances surround - Public Accounts paid workers in the health and claimed were given to ‘SIPTU’ in ing the expenditure, or otherwise, Committee (PAC) to local authority sectors across the 2001 and 2002, respectively, by the of these monies ( €380,000) by the country. Office of Health Management of Office of Health Management of Adiscuss issues sur - The Comptroller and Auditor the Department of Health and for the Department of Health in 2001 rounding the Skills Training General’s decision to examine mat - which, they claimed, no expendi - and 2002. Programme Fund (known as ters surrounding the Skills Fund ture details had been provided by SIPTU also immediately contact - the ‘Skills Fund’) adminis - followed correspondence to him the union. SIPTU, in fact, had ed the PAC and asked that the tered by the Health Service from SIPTU on 2nd February last in never received these monies and union be invited to attend a hear - Executive (HSE) and at which which General Secretary, Joe neither were they received by the ing of the Committee as soon as SIPTU was due to attend, has O’Flynn, offered to assist Mr ‘Levy Fund’ account which was possible in order to provide assis - Buckley with any information he never operated, nor audited, by the tance to its members and to correct been postponed until May. required from the union in order union. the misrepresentations and inaccu - Joe O’Flynn: Assistance The PAC decided to postpone the to resolve outstanding issues. Despite repeated requests by racies made to them in its absence. hearing on 1st March following the The letter to the C&AG followed SIPTU to the HSE seeking docu - In March last year, a sub-commit - has established that the ‘Levy decision by the Comptroller and a meeting of the PAC on 15th mentation relating to the payment tee of the Trustees of SIPTU pub - Fund’ was not a SIPTU account, Auditor General (C&AG), John December, to which SIPTU was not of these two amounts, no evidence lished a detailed report based on the grants which went through the Buckley, to continue his audit into invited, and during which serious, has been produced by the agency all the information available to it, the ‘Skills Fund’ including details and false, allegations were made by way of return cheques, bank including details obtained from the account were not received by of the ‘SIPTU Health and Local against the union concerning funds account details etc. to date. ‘Levy Fund’ account which was SIPTU and it was not audited by Authority Levy Fund’ (known as for which the Health Service As the result of these false alle - used to administer funds expended SIPTU. the ‘Levy Fund’ account) through Executive (HSE) has been unable to gations and within days of the during the Skills training pro - A link to the report of the SIPTU which a portion of the grants from account. December PAC hearing, SIPTU gramme between 2001 and 2009. Trustees sub-committee is available the Skills Fund were distributed. A specific allegation was made by made a complaint to the Garda Since the issues surrounding this at: www.siptu.ie/media/publica - The Skills Programme was used to HSE officials concerning two Fraud Squad which is now investi - fund emerged in mid-2010 SIPTU tions/reports/

SIPTU queries ‘inaccurate assertions’ by committee chair GENERAL Secretary Joe money and had not co-operated O’Flynn added: “I would have taxpayers money that was routed "As you are aware, detailed O’Flynn has exchanged cor - with enquiries to date. thought you [McGuinness] through this (Levy) account but I accounts are being prepared for “Nothing could be further would have seen this as a posi - am impatient because of the way the Comptroller and Auditor respondence with the from the truth!” he wrote. tive action rather than implying the investigation into the matter General and we are confident chairman of the Public O’Flynn further pointed out that we were ‘pointing the fin - by the Internal Auditor of the that the report from that office Accounts Committee (PAC), that it was SIPTU that had sig - ger’ or ‘muddying the water’.” HSE came off track and I now will more than adequately cover John McGuinness TD to nalled its intention – in a letter He pointed out that SIPTU expect the investigation of the all aspects of the income and dated 26th January 2012 – to was entitled to the same “due C&AG will yield results," he expenditure transactions relating take issue with comments provide the Comptroller and process” as any other body and wrote. to the public monies that went he reportedly made recent - Auditor General with the Levy said that the union reserved the McGuinness said that he through this (Levy) account. ly about the Skills Fund Fund Account’s bank records. right to “take whatever action is wished "the staff who controlled Inaccurate assertions which pre- affair in the media. Joe O’Flynn also repeated in necessary” to protect its “good the account, the public officials judge the outcome of the the letter that SIPTU had “taken name”. who made payments to or bene - Comptroller and Auditor In a letter, dated 8th February, serious issue” with how claims In conclusion, he said that the fited in any way from the funds General’s report, including refer - O’Flynn noted that the of two payments of €190,000 position McGuinness had “been placed in this account and the ences to specific amounts as con - Chairman’s role carried with it a had been interpreted by the HSE. reported to have adopted to findings contained in the Grant tained in your letter and which “particular responsibility to This had led to subsequent date” could be reasonably be Thornton (commissioned by the have already been disputed are ensure fair procedures apply to accusations that these monies interpreted by “any fair-minded signatories to the account) not helpful and, I suggest, all parties”. had “gone missing” and “were person” as being prejudical. should be all be (sic) accessible should be avoided at this point He then outlined how unaccounted for”. He added that this was espe - or available to the staff of the in time. McGuinness had been quoted in But O’Flynn underlined that cially so when SIPTU had not yet C&AG." "Regarding the Grant the Sunday Independent (5th “despite numerous requests to been given the opportunity to Writing to Mr McGuinness on Thornton Report, I have advised February, 2012) of accusing the HSE... we have not received assist the PAC on this matter. Monday 12th March, Joe O'Flynn the secretary of the PAC as to the SIPTU of “playing games” and any evidence to support this In a response on 8th March welcomed his assurances that position in respect of this report trying to “muddy the waters” as accusation.” He said the union last, John McGuinness said that SIPTU will receive a fair hearing as per my letter dated 26th well as using the PAC as a “bat - had taken the claims seriously he would ensure that witnesses at the PAC and said that detailed January 2012. Notwithstanding tleground” in which “to point and had referred the matter to at the PAC, including SIPTU, will accounts were being prepared by this, we have requested Matt the finger at the HSE”. the Garda Fraud Squad in a bid get a fair hearing. the union for the C&AG. He also Merrigan to co-operate fully with The General Secretary said to clarify if the €380,000 pay - "I am not biased against either said that Mr McGuinness had the Comptroller and Auditor these comments had encouraged ments had ever been made “and, SIPTU or the public officials who referred, in his letter, to General, including providing full a general perception that SIPTU if so, to whom or to what should have ensured a level of amounts which have been con - access to the Grant Thornton had misappropriated public account”. control over the expenditure of sistently disputed by SIPTU. Report," Joe O'Flynn wrote. Liberty 9 News MARCH 2012 President’s wise words at LSE... not to Suds’ liking?

RESIDENT Michael D Higgins in some quarters over his address at the “Suds”, who is also non-executive chairman has been blazing a trail in the London School of Economics during his offi - of financial giant, Goldman Sachs first months of his presiden - cial visit to London last month. International, might have had good reason to P cy with a hectic programme Among those who may have taken excep - be concerned as Higgins laid into the neo- of functions, openings and events. tion to his criticism of neo-liberalism was liberal belief in the rationality of the market. His speeches have gone down well one of his hosts, LSE Chairman – and former In his address, President Higgins recalled Listening carefully: Peter ‘Suds’ Sutherland although it is claimed there was discomfort Irish attorney general – Peter Sutherland. the founders of the college, who were dedicat - ed Fabian socialists. He also spoke of the role played by radical Irish writers, including Shaw and Wilde, in British life before launching into a vigorous verbal assault on those he blamed for the col - lapse in values that had contributed to global economic crisis. Speaking on the theme Of Public Intellectuals, Universities, and a Democratic Crisis , the President assailed those who sup - ported the myth that markets are rational. He said: “We have arrived at quite wide - spread acceptance by policy makers of a proposition rejected by the majority of serious economic historians, that markets are ration - al. This, on occasion, leads, in the extreme, to the suggestion – absurd and all as it may sound – that it is people who are irrational, the markets rational. “That public, for whom, Friedrich Von Hayek wrote that economics are too complex, it is suggested, require something other than the direction of elected governments.” A few days later he was asked if he was enjoying his presidency. He replied: “There’s SIPTU Vice President Patricia King shares a joke with President Higgins and his wife Sabina at the Waterfront Hall in during ICTU Women’s Conference so much interest in my speeches these days, whether drafted, revised or delivered, it’s Picture: Kevin Coooper/Photoline great to be somewhere more relaxed.” King greets ‘two person’ Áras team To whom could he have been referring? Welcoming President Michael D the private sector the strong likelihood is economic crisis that shattered their lives. Higgins to the ICTU women’s con - you will earn a large salary, but it will be It demands a response. A huge price has ference in Belfast on Friday (2nd a secret and nobody can challenge it. You been paid for the speculative period of February), SIPTU and Congress will have a handsome pension provision unsustainable growth and false property vice-president, Patricia King said and plethora of tax reliefs to ensure you led development in the first decade of that his election last year was a maximise your earnings. If you are a this century. For those who promoted source of “great joy and a huge worker forced to take industrial action to this bubble, personal wealth and material sense of pride” for delegates. try and secure your employment rights possessions became a dangerous obses - you may find yourself injuncted by High sion; at the level of society, ostentation Describing the President as only Court order. But if you are a top banker replaced simplicity; and selfishness one part of a “two person team” she or developer and have broken all the replaced selflessness. The sense of com - said that Sabina Higgins was also a rules with the worst possible conse - munity, for which our island was so rich - “pioneer in the arts and remains a quences for the citizens of the country ly famous, was eroded as those who pur - passionate advocate in terms of you will be categories as a 'white collar sued aggressively individualistic goals human rights and issues of social offender' a subject of never ending inves - had little time for collective endeavour, justice.” She also referred to the tigation who may never have to pay the little interest in social solidarity and little challenges facing workers in Ireland price,” she said. capacity for ethical reflection. It is impor - today compared to the benefits In his speech, President Higgins also tant too that the assumptions and the enjoyed by the elite. spoke of the need to return to the princi - values behind this false economy be President Higgins with poet Leanne ple of social solidarity. exposed, be faced and be rejected as any “If you are a low paid worker you can O’Sullivan at The Old Triangle event He said; “It is very understandable version of the future we wish to create staged by the Irish Penal Reform Trust at look forward to a High Court challenge to that people are hurt and dismayed by the on this island.” the Abbey Theatre in Dublin last month limit your rate of pay. If you are a CEO in Picture: Derek Spiers President at opening of ‘model’ play area DESPITE the cold weather, Michael D a wheelchair accessible swing. listening to the children, consulting with Higgins received a warm welcome During the ceremony the President was them, asking them what you would like and charmed by a performance given by 14-year- delivering it for the children.” from 200 schoolchildren recently as he old local harpist Jennifer Leahy. Navan Mayor Anton McCabe, who was also officially opened the ‘Is Féidir Linn’ In his speech, he said he hoped the project, at the opening, said the play area was an play area in Navan, county Meath. which was funded by Navan Town Council, “active, imaginative, educational and adven - The project – situated in a beautiful setting would be taken up as a model by other local turous” place for local children. close to the town centre – includes a host of authorities. McCabe, a SIPTU activist, took the opportu - features to keep the kids happy, including a He added: “One of the splendid hallmarks nity to acknowledge the role played by both balancing beam, see-saws, a stepping post and of this project is the exercise in listening, council employees and local representatives in getting the project off the ground. Anton McCabe with President Higgins 10 Liberty MARCH 2012 News

Staff felt ‘brainwashed’ by company

ould you like to tributor but if I worked hard liant and that I must not think are contracted as ‘sole traders’ it Waterford have not been work a 10-hour would end up a manager with any negative thoughts about the advertises on Internet jobs sites returned. shift earn very take home pay well over €1,000,” job.” “permanent, full-time” positions. An Airtricity spokesman told Wlittle money and said the 19 year old. A working day with RK Ciaran said; “If I didn’t turn up Liberty that the company requires then have to pay for your Corporation, which is run out of for work they would repeatedly “all third party agencies and their own bus fare home? Well an office in Waterford City centre, ring me. Also on days off and contractors to sign and adhere to that is the experience of at Many weeks I begins with team building ses- after work I would be contacted the Airtricity ‘Permit to Sell’, least some former workers earned less than sions that include listening to by text message. The manager which demands the utmost stan- at the Waterford based very loud music and defeating any would tell me I was great and dards in recruitment, training, ‘direct sales and marketing €150 but they kept negative thoughts people may things like that.” management and consumer company’ RK Corporation. on telling me I was have about ‘the business’.” RK Corporation is run by sales.” The company specialises in “I was shocked by what I saw. Ramune Kuskyte, a woman in her “RK Corporation is a third door to door sales and utilises brilliant and that I The music is so loud you can 20s originally from Eastern party marketing sales agency what former workers said felt like hardly hear the person next to Europe. The company was regis- along with a number of other “brainwashing” techniques to must not think any you and it changes every few sec- tered in the UK in late 2010. companies that operate direct ensure its young sales people negative thoughts onds. Managers then come in and Liberty contacted Kuskyte to sales services on behalf of push themselves to the maximum tell you how much you can earn. ask her to discuss the questions Airtricity. We will vigorously in selling beauty products and about the job.” Everyone keeps shouting ‘cool’ that have been raised regarding investigate any complaints made Airtricity connections. and they tell you you must disso- her company’s work practices by against RK Corporation or any Ciaran Donnelly who worked ciate from any ‘negative people, former sales people. third party marketing sales agency for RK Corporation for seven “In reality I worked six days a including family, who don’t However she said she was “too that is selling on our behalf and months during 2011 said his week paying for my own transport understand the ‘business’. It felt busy” and would return the call where necessary we will take all working days would often begin to various parts of Munster to sell like brainwashing,” recalls anoth- “the minute I have the chance to appropriate action to ensure the at 10 a.m and continue to 10 p.m. products such as make-up and er former RK Corporation worker, talk to you about everything.” integrity of all of our sales activi- “When I went for the job inter- Airtricity connections. Many Margaret Uzgur. Kuskyte is yet to contact ties is maintained at all times.” view I was told I could earn weeks I earned less than €150 but Although RK Corporation Liberty and repeated calls to the between €350 and €400 as a dis- they kept on telling me I was bril- ensures that it’s young workforce RK Corporation office in

Galway City and County Council workers have their say... agement can’t lose if they privatise work. It The media image of public sector is less responsibility for them but their workers as over paid and provid - salary stays the same. They’re saying there is ing little benefit to wider society a need for cutbacks – but not for them.” is the opposite of reality accord - ing to workers in Galway City and Martin Lee (57) – county councils. A ganger in the Galway City Council environment department Karl Brundrit (45) – supervisor in Galway County Council “The increase I received for taking on the extra responsibilities as a ganger, who over - “I’ve had an over a €100 cut in my weekly sees other lads’ work, has been cut in half. pay with the impact of the Universal Social What we contribute to our pensions has Charge (USC) and pension levy. My gross pay increased but what we will receive is being is now around €650 a week. When I started reduced. My basic pay has gone from approx - as a supervisor I had 23 staff in my area, imately €630 down to €532. People see the there are now nine. The top brass say if we big figures in relation to some people in the can’t do the work they’ll put it out to con - public service and they think we’re all in the tract. They are sending out whole parts of same boat – but that is not the case.” the roads programme to private contractors. We are then baby sitting the contractors and watching them do our work.” Alan Daly (42) – Photo: From left Martin Lee, Frank Daly and Alan Daly general operative Galway City Sean Neville (60) – Council recreation sector area foreman in Galway City Council pension levy. Our workforce has been cut yet seven days a week. That is gone now with “In the private sector I worked for a compa - they still expect the same amount of work. some people down up to €280 a week. My ny that by law had to match the 6% I paid “I’ve seen an over €100 weekly reduction in All our staff are 50 plus, there will be a crisis take-home pay is now €486 a week. The into my pension. As a general operative, I my pay since 2009. My take-home pay is in the service in the next couple of years.” thing that really annoys me is that due to have always paid PRSI towards my pension. around €500 a week. The weekly shopping the newspapers people think I’m retiring on It is outdoor staff that are being hit. We need bill has had to be cut back. I have over 35 Frank Daly (59) – a €500 pension a week. The reality is after TDs to focus on the cuts to services that are years with Galway City Council and for that I – general operative Galway City 13 years in the job, if I retired tomorrow I will receive a pension of around €122 a meant to be provided to citizens in return Council environment department would get a €13,813 lump sum and there - week. I’m paying over €30 a week pension for their taxes. Instead all they go on about after €36 per week as a pension. The man - contribution and on top of that a €96 a week “We used to work during the summer up to is revisiting the Croke Park agreement.” Liberty 11 News MARCH 2012 Staff felt ‘brainwashed’ by company Our cleaners secure REA... hand in glove with SIPTU!

By Paul Gavan IT was smiles all around at Liberty Hall on 25th February when contract cleaning union representatives gathered to celebrate the setting up of a Registered Employment Agreement for the industry. There was a multi-cultural feel to the occasion as worker activists from Ireland were joined by col - leagues from , , , Romania, India, Ukraine, China and the Phillipines. It came after 15 months of inten - sive organising and campaigning, involving a series of workplace meetings, public protests, petitions and political lobbying. A number of what were described Contract cleaner activists celebrate successful conclusion of “Don’t Bin Our ERO” campaign as “intensive engagements” with employer representatives led to the restoring of all terms and condi - tions for contract cleaners that had been dismantled by last June’s High Court ruling which struck down existing Employment Regulation Voice to be heard At-a-glance guide to REAs Orders (EROs). Galway City and County Council Lucia Fay, a contract cleaner SIPTU Sector Organiser • The Registered Employment Agreement (REA) working in Beaumont Hospital, Owen Reidy has called the for the contract cleaning industry has been summed up the change in outlook. securing of a Registered agreed between SIPTU, the cleaners union “When we started this campaign we Employment Agreement for and the Irish Contract Cleaning Association, were like a sinking ship, but now workers have their say... we’re floating. We’ve never had a contract cleaners sector a (ICCA) an employer umbrella body which useful means of building a represents 80% of employers in the industry, stronger workforce than now.“ and IBEC. Beta Sudol, a cleaner at Our “powerful voice” for work - Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in ers in the sector. • The agreement came into force on 5th Crumlin, spoke for many when she He said: “Now cleaners have said: “Now we are organised, our their REA, it is critical we set February 2012 and will run for a six month period. The agreement is legally binding on all employer listens to us.” about strengthening their voice in For Maria Carmen Villanueva, a the industry. employers. cleaner working in Liberty Hall, the “This can be done by further • The agreement re-constitutes the terms of the day brought back memories of col - building on the organising of Contract cleaner Mary McBride cleaners and through strong addresses meeting previous Employment Regulation Order, i.e. collective bargaining with the minimum hourly rate of €9.50 an hour, Good “Now we are employers at industry level.” However, Owen Reidy added: Friday being treated as a public holiday, rates He noted that it was “no coin - “This REA – and any future REA – for overtime and weekend work among other organised, is not an end in itself but a cidence” that cleaners had been conditions of employment. our employer first to secure an REA. “This means to an end to build a pow - agreement has been delivered by erful voice for cleaners through a • A Joint Industrial Council (JIC) made up of listens to us.” cleaner workplace leaders and collective and organised approach.” seven employer reps and seven union reps, activists mobilising and protest - lecting signatures as part of the A series of regional meetings – (four union organisers and three workplace ing through the Fair Deal for Don’t Bin our ERO campaign. both to inform cleaners about the cleaner leaders) has been set up also. This Cleaners campaign and the Don’t She said: “We worked hard and Bin Our ERO campaign through REA and get their feedback – will body will oversee the current agreement and now be held across the country. now we are happy with our REA.” SIPTU.” negotiate future change to the REA under the But Maria also stressed the chairmanship of an official from the Labour importance of continuing to build Relations Commission. density and pointed out “the next six months will be very important.” • If the union through the JIC negotiates Barbara Molas, a contract cleaner changes over the forthcoming months all working in Beaumont Hospital SIPTU cleaners will have their say through a knows this very well – she has ballot whether to endorse or reject the been nominated as one of the cleaner representatives who will proposals. negotiate a successor REA for the sector. She too is looking to the • Having an REA gives cleaners collective future with confidence. influence over their industry now and in the “With the winning of the REA, future, but this can only be developed and colleagues now understand what maintained if we continue to organise. we have been working for. “We have the strength to negoti - SIPTU NEC member Christy Waters pays tribute to the determination of the contract cleaners ate a good follow-on agreement.” 12 Liberty MARCH 2012 Comment 2012: Global recovery or

false dawn? Half full or half empty? Chinese Vice President By Vic Duggan Xi Jinping samples Irish coffee during recent visit

t’s not just the warm Ireland is a small open economy immense overhang of private sector Ireland is one of the most highly erty bubbles, while the overall winter or early spring – where exports are about 100% of debt, and Ireland is perhaps the dependent oil importers on the growth rate itself has slowed some - the global economy really GDP. With imports of 80% of GDP, most acutely affected. Increasing planet. Stronger than expected US what. China’s leaders appreciate is looking brighter now our positive trade balance makes incidence of mortgage distress is and emerging market economies these challenges and have begun I up about 20% of our overall econo - only the tip of the iceberg. Over- are stoking demand, while political taking necessary steps. than in the dark days of November. my, and it is the only part showing indebted volatility in the Middle East con - Transition brings risks, and US growth has been accelerating, meaningful growth. busi - strains supply. These factors con - China is currently undergoing two: unemployment falling, and Growth projections for Irish spire to put oil prices within the rebalancing of its economy, Obama’s re-election chances exports looked over-ambitious on striking distance of all-time described above, and a political improving. The EU appears to have budget day. Today, they look fan - highs, and the most imme - changing of the guard, notably to gotten a handle on its debt crisis, ciful. Perhaps the biggest risks diate risk is of a spike Ireland’s recent distinguished visi - for now, and a spiral from to global growth, and our higher, not lower. tor. The urgency of the former will Recession to Depression has been export-led recovery, are China is the big take a back seat to smoothing the averted. Austerity, Debt, Oil and Increasing economic success latter. In the short term, this means ‘Super Mario’ (Draghi) has China. story of recent China following the lead of the pulled a (Ben) Bernanke, stuffing Concerted global decades, growing developed world by loosening mon - European banks with cash. It would stimulus in the early incidence of by 10% per year etary policy to boost credit. be a stretch to say that confidence days of the financial cri - on average since Resorting to printing money has has returned, but Armageddon is sis helped prevent a mortgage distress is Deng Xiaoping ini - replaced concerted fiscal stimulus no longer feared imminent. Depression. Disaster tiated reforms in as the tool of choice for global poli - As a result, stock markets are averted, stimulus is 1978. Half a bil - cy-makers. This is an economic powering ahead, the euro has ral - being withdrawn and only the tip of the lion people have experiment on a mass scale. It may lied, capital is flowing to emerging greater emphasis placed been lifted from feel like it’s working right now, and markets, and commodity prices on debt sustainability. poverty. In turn, it may well be the right course of have spiked. It’s ‘Risk On’ as finan - This phenomenon is not iceberg. Chinese growth is action, but the long-term risks and cial traders might say, and time to confined to Europe’s periph - driving commodity-led ultimate beneficiaries are as yet make hay. ery. booms in Brazil, Russia unclear. Ireland has enjoyed a run of The UK and Europe’s core are and much of sub-Saharan So, is the global economy’s glass good news stories, book-ended by leading the austerity charge, while Africa. In 2011, China became half full, or half empty? the Obama and Jinping visits. the US will follow suit in earnest the second largest economy in Unfortunately, economists can’t Investor confidence is returning once the 2012 election is in the rear the world, overtaking Japan. At cur - predict the future, and they may nesses and that we can pull through without view mirror. The fiscal pain is being rent growth rates, it will be top dog not be able to tell us before it’s too consumers are prioritising repay - default. While this may be cold eased somewhat through looser by 2020 or soon after. late whether what we are seeing is ment and saving over investment comfort to our ranks of unem - monetary policy everywhere, China’s export dominated light at the end of the tunnel, or an and spending. As these effects rein - ployed, improvement in Ireland’s including in Europe since late 2011, growth model may be running out oncoming train. force each other, domestic demand credibility abroad and a sustained but austerity will remain a drag on of road, however, and rebalancing Vic Duggan is a Masters in remains anaemic. global recovery are crucial to our growth in developed markets for in favour of domestic demand will Public Administration (MPA) candi - Higher oil prices put recovery at own prospects for broad-based years to come. become increasingly important. date in Economic Policy risk by sapping the domestic recovery and a return to ‘full’ The deflationary impact of fiscal Moreover, regional growth imbal - Management at Columbia demand of oil importers, and University, New York employment. austerity is compounded by an ances have created incipient prop -

rish good l quality I t. Think Union additiona ge impac osing one have a hu Even cho asket can hopping b Buy Union for your s SIPTU encourages you and your family to choose During 2012 SIPTU Manufacturing Division will be rolling out the SUPPORTING quality Irish goods manufactured in unionised Supporting Quality Campaign. Representing almost 50,000 QUALITY workers in the manufacturing industry, the Supporting Quality Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland workplaces. Making a decision to buy such Campaign will see SIPTU working with unionised firms to ensure Promoting Quality Irish Products products will help protect quality jobs in that together we can provide maximum exposure to their Ireland and support the local economy. brands among our entire membership. Liberty 13 Comment MARCH 2012 2012: Global Liberty recovery or By JACK O’CONNOR SIPTU General President View false dawn? Fiscal Treaty Dilemma We do not agree with the proposed economies in times of recession. The struc - terity. The fly in the ointment is the impli - fiscal treaty. We reject the econom - tural deficit limit of 0.5% GDP (which econo - cation for the credibility of the whole Treaty mists don’t agree on how to measure any - edifice they have created if they are seen to ic strategy accompanying it. In how) will result in debt/GDP ratios well capitulate at the first hurdle. If we are to principle, we could live with a below the 60% which is considered sustain - recommend a No vote, we will have to come “debt brake” of some kind because able. up with a better strategy than telling people it will be alright on the night. it will not be possible to fund Even if the Treaty had been in place here public services through exponen - during the boom years it would not have The Government believes that reassuring tially growing debt. However, prevented the mess caused by our banks. Yet the money lenders that they will be bailed growth not austerity is the key to it does not contain a syllable about regulat - out if we cannot repay them is key to get - ing them. ting back to the markets. Otherwise, it will progress and the measure envis - be like trying to get a mortgage without aged is far too severe. Rejecting it is not simple either. Countries insurance. This makes sense as far as it that do not sign up for it will be precluded goes. It is designed to: from “bailout” assistance from the European - bring about an “adjustment” in costs Stability Mechanism (ESM). In January 2014, However, the real problem is that our in the indebted countries through €8bn of national debt falls due. We will domestic economy is stagnant. Unless cutting welfare and public services and have to borrow to roll it over. Will the domestic demand is stimulated we will see driving down the price of labour; money lenders provide it, knowing that the neither jobs nor growth and we won’t be ESM will not step in if we are not able to able to borrow anyhow. The trade union - reassure the money lenders of the pay them back? If they don’t we will have to movement has developed a proposal to world that they will get their money create tens of thousands of jobs through the back; use of the National Pensions Reserve Fund, We are all faced with money incentivised from the private pen - - placate public opinion in Germany sion schemes through exemption from the which is underwriting the bills and levy and the European Investment Bank. which underwent a severe a crucially important “adjustment” a decade ago. This should be the focus of attention. The and extremely Treaty will not affect us directly until 2015 The Treaty will not solve the problems of or even 2018 one way or the other. However, Ireland of Europe. It will make things worse. difficult choice. by aggravating the recession in Europe it Twenty three countries will be increasing will damage exports and tourism. We can do taxes and cutting spending simultaneously default which could become a one way tick - nothing about that because it will take only in a co-ordinated contraction. et to the stone age. twelve countries to ratify it. It will go ahead anyhow. By the time it affects us directly, The effect could be alleviated by parallel Some argue that it doesn’t matter – the EU the Treaty will have caused so much turmoil measures such as debt sharing (eurobonds) Council will not allow a default to occur in Europe that it may have been either aban - or massive structural funds for the stressed because there would be so much at stake for doned, amended or offset by other meas - countries. However, there is no sign of the entire European banking system. We ures. either. cannot be so sure. They were ready to let In the longer term (if it lasts) the “compact” Greece go over the edge in February, ulti - We are all faced with a crucially important will impede countries from supporting their mately forcing them to accept barbaric aus - and extremely difficult choice.

1) Name the SIPTU activist who conquered Mount Aconcagua? Liberty Quiz 2) What venue hosted the Christy Moore concert in support of the Vita Cortex workers? 3) Name the distribution company for Tesco in Ireland? *Answer the six questions correctly 4) Brendan Howlin is the Minister in which Government department? and you can win a weekend away for 5) Who is the author of ‘A Labour History of Ireland 1824-2000’? 6) Which charge has the SIPTU National Executive Council called on the Government to suspend? two in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels.

Last month’s winner was: Tommy Thornton, Glanbia PLC, Co. Laois *Terms and conditions apply. 14 Liberty MARCH 2012 Comment Queuing for a Leaving

Members of the public queue outside the Working Abroad Expo at the RDS Dublin. The exhibition By Martin Fitzpatrick provides information on visas, emigrating and job opportunities overseas. Photo: /Photocall Ireland The terms are still bore. Worse still, it is becoming a Assassination of Cock Robin. can it be blamed for all the ills of inquiry will also have to look vague but all the profound distortion of the political It is the softest of soft targets. The the world? Certainly, we don’t beyond our shores for a complete signs are that there is discourse in this country. so-called Soldiers of Destiny had know the full story behind the dis - answer and the advice and warn - a deal done on the I was stuck in a car lately listening no one on duty when the defences astrous bank guarantee of ings from the ECB made to Brian TAnglo Irish/ Irish to the Joe Duffy Show on RTE I against the overweening ambitions September 2008. We don’t know Cowen and the late Brian Lenihan Nationwide promissory without either the in the days and weeks before the notes. That is unquestion - access to the full extent guarantee and the so called ably good news. It is going to ‘off’ button of the con - ‘bailout’ two years later must be of mean savings of billions of while the air - nections central importance. Now the ECB is euros and that much less waves were None of the official reports between reported to be resisting the austerity for our beleaguered bombarded senior party Government’s attempts to reduce citizens. with a litany figures, its banking debt and in particular of people or investigations has leading its effort to obtain concessions on The fact that the promissory notes complaining bankers the Anglo/Nationwide promissory are something of an accountancy about the brought anyone to book and devel - notes. Incredibly, as it faces into a trick is neither here nor there. coincidence opers all of difficult referendum on the fiscal Nevertheless the official commen - of the Fianna whom, inci - compact ECB sources telling tary on the proposed deal so far is for the wilful destruction of Fáil Ard Fheis dentally, Government to target public serv - almost entirely couched in political and the paral - have ice workers and welfare recipients rhetoric. It is not possible to say the Irish economy and the lel walked for even more stringent cuts to that officials of the Department of Ballsbridge away from their incomes. Which genius is Finance have been knuckling down massive debt hangover left hiring fair as the car running the show over there we since last September to find a way private sector crash that might ask? If we are to get the ben - to deal with this accountancy rid - to the next generation. interests was the efit of a compromise on the prom - dle, without blaming Fianna Fáil. It cashed in on banking issory notes or on any other deal, is not possible to say that there is people’s collapse rel - the public deserves to be told recognition somewhere in the bow - desire to find atively about it quickly, precisely and els of the Berlaymont headquarters a job outside unscathed. without political strings. It is past of the EU, that the banking debt the country. With nothing like the of bankers and developers had to None of the official reports or time that those taking the burden has authors who are not the hard- sort of editorial management that be installed; it had no one on investigations has brought anyone of a crisis not of their making were pressed Irish taxpayer. Our one would expect from the State scouting patrol when the credit to book for the wilful destruction given a realistic assessment as to Government ministers simply can - broadcaster, there was a succession crunch forces loomed on the hori - of the Irish economy and the mas - how and when we are going to not make an admission like that of people on the radio blaming FF zon. Its officer corps was sadly sive debt hangover left to the next emerge from the current mess. without finding a political scape - for everything short of the wanting when the bombs fell. But generation. But any successful goat and frankly it is becoming a Needled by the Lockout bosses..?

PLANS to create a tapestry to Irish Congress of Trade Unions, the union activists are also being asked 1066 and all that: The Bayeaux Tapestry depicting historical English battle. commemorate the great National College of Art and Design, to take up the challenge. Dublin Lockout of 1913 are the Irish Labour History Society No previous knowledge or skills well under way. and other bodies. are required as training will be pro - It hopes to have a formal launch vided at a production centre due to Two of the Ireland’s leading Anyone interested in signing of the tapestry project in May. open shortly. artists, Cathy Henderson and up can contact: Brendan Byrne Meanwhile, there has been a The contributions of participants Robert Ballagh, are working on a great response from community will be recorded in the Tapestry at [email protected] design. and arts and crafts groups to the along with the wonderful story it or Padraig Yeates at The 1913 Committee, originally call for volunteers to make it. Trade will tell. [email protected] set up by SIPTU, now involves the Liberty 15 Comment MARCH 2012

Sale of state assets a strategic error HATEVER way the So what’s the alternative? In short, to use Government tries to By Mary Lou state assets strategically to drive the econo - dress it up selling off my, to create jobs and to provide re-skilling ort- and training opportunities for those out of state assets is a sh work. NewERA should be replaced by a Wterm mea sure with a long-term cost. McDonald Semi-State Strategy Group to deliver these This decision – maybe more than objectives. any other – clearly exposes the All dividends – a ready-made annual rev - Government’s lack of joined up or enue stream – paid to the State should be long term thinking. reinvested into employment activation and The projected sale value of the asset dis- training measures. posals will make little or no difference to d Social Justice Ireland has proposed a really n

a the State’s overall debt burden and despite l e interesting Part-Time Jobs Opportunities r I

the Government’s assertions to the contrary, l l Programme to create 100,000 viable part a c privatisation is not the panacea of perfect o t time jobs – paid at the going rate – in the o on. h competiti P public community and voluntary sectors. :

e Fine Gael and Labour have failed to pro- r u This project could be extended to include t c duce evidence-based analysis to back up i P commercial semi-state companies providing their plans. It appears the lessons of Eircom relevant ‘on the job’ training and part-time have not been learnt after all. with Coillte to develop the massive poten - Government intends to spend on a once-off employment. We have been told all along that only Of course to do any of this the State must “non-strategic” assets would be considered tial of the forestry sector for timber produc - “jobs investment” if sale values are realised. Members of the public queue outside the Working Abroad Expo at the RDS Dublin. The exhibition tion, biomass and eco-tourism. Both companies are of long-term strategic retain our assets in public ownership. That is provides information on visas, emigrating and job opportunities overseas. Photo: /Photocall Ireland for sale by the state. How transport, forestry the only option if they are to be truly lever - and energy assets could be deemed to be Commercial semi-state companies have importance to Ireland’s energy supply, in created tens of thousands of sustainable providing skilled employment and training aged in the long-term collective interests of anything other than strategic is beyond me. citizens and the economy. Retaining the State’s significant 25% share jobs benefiting hun - opportunities. dreds of thousands of Both could The Government has other funding in Aer Lingus is vital to ensure Ireland’s con- Flogging of successful self- streams for a jobs stimulus programme, nectivity to Europe, the US and the rest of families over the play an extend - decades. financing state assets to private ed role in the including the remaining monies from the the world. Trading the airline’s Heathrow National Pension Reserve Fund and the slots will be inconsequential to a private The ESB is self- interests for a quick buck is a area of financing and has con - telecommuni - European Investment Bank. company yet their retention is of strategic Flogging of successful self-financing state importance to the interests of this island. tributed €4.3 billion to bad deal for citizens. cations by the Irish economy using their assets to private interests for a quick buck is Coillte is an important rural employer, a bad deal for citizens. now more than ever. Selling off Coillte’s through taxes and dividends over the last 10 extended network to address our broadband Mary Lou McDonald TD is Sinn Féin Deputy harvesting rights to a private company years. The ESB and Board Gáis have deficit. Disposing of State assets is an ideo - Leader and spokesperson on Public which will buy up our forests is a barmy between them paid out €2 billion euro in logically driven decision. Hiding behind the Expenditure and Reform decision. Government should be working dividends. That’s twice what the Troika doesn’t alter that fact. A Constitution that meets the challenges of 21st century By Niall Crowley

HE Programme for Such a consultation would enable an adequate representation of Government proposed a broad sense of ownership of, those who experience poverty a Constitutional and support for, the Convention. and deprivation in society. Convention as part It would infuse the Convention Nothing is known about the T with an ambition that will not be process to be followed by the of a process of reform to generated by politicians alone. Constitutional Convention. The “ensure that our Constitution The consultation document Convention should not work meets the challenges of the apparently proposes a member - behind closed doors. It should be 21st Century”. Claiming Our ship of 100 with two-thirds to be an open process that engages Future identified this com - selected from the electoral regis - with debate around the country mitment as holding signifi - ter and the remainder drawn and within all groups in society. from the political parties. The The consultation document cant potential. information available does not apparently states that the focus The proposed Constitutional suggest there is any concern to for the Convention will be limit - Convention is high on the agenda establish a membership that ed to the issues identified in the of the Claiming Our Future work - reflects the Programme ing group that is focused on diversity of for issues of democratic reform. The Convention should Rainbow nation: International Mother Language Day rally in Dublin city Irish socie - Government. centre in February. The Constitutional Convention must strive to reflect the The Government has now pro - diversity of the new Ireland ty and These duced a document setting out its not work behind closed ensures a issues are to proposals for this Constitutional voice for review the Convention. This has not yet doors... it should be These are useful topics but they The Programme for women, Dáil electoral been published although ele - hardly capture the ‘challenges of Government promised a minorities system, the ments have been leaked to the open and engage with the 21st century’. This would Government where “in all the and those presidential media. It is being used by the require a focus that includes major areas of public life this living in term of Government to consult with the all groups in society issues of deepening poverty, cli - determination to modernise, poverty. office, provi - opposition parties on the process. mate change, growing inequality, renew and transform our country The selection process should sions for same-sex marriage, the This ambition of developing a the place of religion, the inade - will be evident over time as our ensure a gender balance and an clause on women in the home constitution that meets the chal - quacy of our political and admin - shared programme is implement - adequate representation for diver - and encouraging greater participa - lenge of the 21st Century requires istrative systems, environmental ed.” The consultation document sity in those drawn from the tion of women in public life, the a broader consultation on the sustainability, the nature of our for the Constitutional Convention political parties and from the reference to blasphemy and the composition, process and focus of European aspirations and our appears to betray this promise. electoral register. It should secure voting age. the Constitutional Convention. response to global inequalities. 16 Liberty MARCh 2012 Fiscal Treaty Fiscal Treaty

What impact ReferendumReferendum SSpecialpecial would the

Background and summary by ,, SIPTU EconomistEconomist Fiscal Compact 7 9 rule have on 9 1 Stablity and Growth Pact 1997 11 Ireland? 1) General government deficit must not exceed 3% as a share of GDP 0 · Over the short term, the fiscal compact will be of little 2) General government debt 60% as a 2 relevence to Ireland as we are already within a fiscal share of GDP 2 1 adjustment programme under the EU/IMF bailout. The Implementation: It was adopted by the Reinforced Stability and Growth impact on the public finances over the medium term will European Council in 1997 and was put Pact-the “Six Pack”, December 2011 0 depend on how the Treaty is implemented and the precise into Irish law by way of an EU regulation. calculation of the structural deficit that will be used. This means that the Pact was automatically 1) New rule on level of government debt. If debt 2 and immediately binding on Ireland and every other member state once the Council exceeds 60% as share of GDP, member state must · Separately from the fiscal compact, the Government, at had adopted the Pact. reduce it by one twentieth each year (or the the insistence of the Troika, will have to legislate for a average of 1/20 over 3years). Fiscal Responsibility Bill sometime this year that will see Problem: Fiscal Compact - 2) Expenditure Benchmark rule - caps the growth in the introduction of three new fiscal rules. These rules will a) No effective sanction government expenditure depending on the level of impose an effective straitjacket on the budget making b) No factoring in of “macro-economic growth in a member state. imbalances” – credit flows, inflation etc 2012 policy of existing and future Governments. They will impose 3) Introduces semi-automatic sanctions: Failure to limits to the growth of Government spending and will also By 2005, some 5 of the 12 eurozone members comply with the expenditure rule, the deficit rule or force the Government to reduce the deficit by a fixed were in breach or were about to breach the failure to address “macro-economic imbalances” will 1) New rule on the level of the deficit rule. The rules were strengthened in that mean a deposit is payable. If there is a second Government deficit- a balanced budget amount annually if it exceeds 3% as a share of GDP. each member state had to present a medium breach, this deposit becomes a fine. term plan (Medium term objective) to achieve 4) Early warning system: EU will moniter “macro- (as opposed to a budget deficit below · The most important of these rules will be the Public the target, but the rules were made more lenient economic imbalances”- labour costs, inflation, Finances Correction Rule - which states that there must be as exceptional economic circumstances and 3%). But it is not the general property prices, unemployment etc “other” factors accounting for economic government deficit that is the target, a 1.5% improvement in the primary budget deficit each year. conditions were allowed to be factored in. Implementation: The majority of these measures are (This is the general government deficit minus the debt automatically imposed with immediate effect on the but a subset of it: the structural deficit. servicing payments that have to be made by Government). Irish Government as EU regulations. This is hugely important in that it makes an allowance for Implementation: Ireland’s massive debt servicing burden. To put it in context, “through provisions of binding force by 2014/2015 Ireland will be handing over 24% of its tax revenues in interest payments. and permanent character, preferably constitutional” This budget rule that seeks improve the primary budget deficit is closely related to the one twentieth rule that is contained in the EU’s Six Pack measures. In short, a larger primary surplus assists in the paying down of the overall debt level - the same intent as the one twentieth rule.

· At EU level, the new “balanced budget rule” under the Fiscal Compact Treaty brings the concept of fiscal If the treatytreaty is rrejected consolidation to a whole new level. It sets the target for Accept/RejectAccept/Reject the treatytreaty thertheree is no prpreciseecis clarity in the referendumreferendum where the structural deficit must be over the medium term ExcessiveExcessive DeDeficitficit PrProcedureocedure as ttoo the impact on and while the other rules set down how much of a reduction Mechanism establishedestablished under the EU trtreatieseaties which IrIrelandeland must be achieved on average year on year, the fiscal The Goverment currently obligeobligess ccountriesountries that areare in brbreacheach ooff the 33%% genergeneralal WeWe araree under the "excessive"excessive compact specifies what the structural deficit must be. forecasts average growth of gogovernmentvernment dedeficitficit rule or the 60% genergeneralal dedeficitficit procedure"-procedure"- this is the close to 3% for 2013 and gogovernmentvernment debdebtt rule ttoo ccomplyomply with rrecommenda-ecommenda- prprocessocess ofof reducingreducing our · For Ireland, progress has been made in reducing the after. If growth fails to reach tions and dedeadlinesadlines impoimposedsed bbyy the EU CouncilCouncil ooff generalgeneral governmentgovernment dedeficitficit toto EU/IMF funding for Ireland finishes in 2013. If structural part of the deficit, but there remains a long road economic conditions fail to live up to expecta- this level, the overall debt ffinanceinance minisministersters that araree ssetet dodownwn ttoo ““correct”correct” the belowbelow 3%.3%. TheThe eearliestarliest that to travel- the structural part of the overall budget deficit tionstions, Ireland will most likely require a second bail level will continue to climb or eexcessivexcessive dedeficit.ficit. AAtt prpresent,esent, 2233 out ooff 2277 member the ruleruless will apply ttoo IrIrelandeland If accepted,accepted, therethere will be no immediateimmediate Reducing the level of debt out. But access to funding from the EU's was 8.6% in 2011 and some four years later in 2015 after will be 20182018 and that asassumessumes impact on Ireland....Ireland.... stablise at too high a level. sstatestates araree in the eexcessivexcessive dedeficitficit prprocedure.ocedure. permanent bail out mechanism - the EESM may not ultimately depends on growth €12.4bn in tax increases and spending cuts, the structural that IrelandIreland meetsmeets the dedeficitficit be popossible as ratifying the Fiscal Compact Treaty exceeding the share of GDP that deficit (inclusive of interest payments) is expected to be targettarget bbyy the end ofof 2015.2015. is a condition for access. goes towards debt servicing. 3.7% - a long way off the target of 0.5%. With a Whether Ireland achieves a structural deficit target of 0.5%, the major impact for IrelandIreland is due ttoo rre-entere-enter the certain growth level or not, we Ireland will be increased austerity long beyond 2015 to drive intinternationalernational ccapitalapital marketsmarkets will still have to abide by the the structural deficit down and more importantly, in the in 2014,2014, but this depends on "one twentieth rule" under the event that growth fails to pick up above anaemic levels, ....unless....unless IrelandIreland requiresrequires a secondsecond bail out.out. Alternative sources of funding other than the open achievingachieving higher levelslevels ofof Six Pack measures. There will little or no wriggle room will be afforded to the State to AccessAccess toto the EuropeanEuropean StabilityStability Mechanism market at prohibitive borrowing rates is not likely. be some level of debt reduction increase current or capital expenditure to counter the grgrowthowth toto meetmeet our dedeficitficit has been made cconditionalonditional on approvalapproval ofof the The IMF is bound by its own policies not to lend to targets,targets, and internationalinternational FisFiscalcal CompactCompact TreatyTTrreaty countries with an unsustainable debt position. but whether this is sufficient effects of the economic stagnation. cconfidenceonfidence ofof the bond will be determined by the price marketsmarkets in Ireland.Ireland. offered for Irish bonds on the open capital markets. Liberty 17 Fiscal Treaty MARCH 2012

Structural deficit - the permanent part of the deficit that remains after once off measures and the impact of the General economic cycle are Government removed WhatWhat impactimpact deficit Referendum Special - the net borrowing of Central wwouldould thethe and Local Goverment and non commerical Background and summary by Marie Sherlock, SIPTU Economist semi state bodies in a FFiscaliscal CompactCompact particular year Cyclical deficit- it is 7 the temporary part of the budget deficit that is driven rruleule havehave onon 9 by the particular point in 9 the economic cycle 1 Stablity and Growth Pact 1997 11 Ireland?Ireland? 1) General government deficit must not exceed 3% as a share of GDP 0 · OverOver the shorshortt tterm,erm, the ffiscaliscal ccompactompact will be ooff littlelittle 2) General government debt 60% as a 2 rrelevenceelevence ttoo IrIrelandeland as wwee araree alralreadyeady within a fiscalfiscal share of GDP 2 1 adjus adjustmenttment programmeprogramme under the EUEU/IMF/IMF bailout.bailout. TThehe Implementation: It was adopted by the Reinforced Stability and Growth The details impact on the public ffinancesinances ooverver the medium ttermerm will European Council in 1997 and was put Pact-the “Six Pack”, December 2011 0 depend on hohoww the TTreatyreaty is implementimplementeded and the preciseprecise • New fiscal rule: a balanced budget. • Impact of the new fiscal rule: The Access to assistance from this fund into Irish law by way of an EU regulation. c calculationalculation ooff the sstructuraltructural dedeficitficit that will be usused.ed. This means that the Pact was automatically fiscal compact raises the bar on will be conditional on approving the 1) New rule on level of government debt. If debt 2 • Definition of the new rule: it is even and immediately binding on Ireland and existing debt and deficit rules. new Fiscal Compact Treaty. This is every other member state once the Council exceeds 60% as share of GDP, member state must more onerous than the term The impact will be an attempt to stated in the preamble to the · SeparatelySeparately fromfrom the fiscalfiscal compact,compact, the GoGovernment,vernment, at had adopted the Pact. reduce it by one twentieth each year (or the “balanced budget” suggests. The bring about a more rapid reduction Treaty. the insisinsistencetence ooff the TTroika,roika, will hahaveve ttoo legislatlegislatee fforor a average of 1/20 over 3years). structural part of the government’s of the Government’s overall debt Fis Fiscalcal ResponsibilityResponsibility BillBill ssometimeometime this yearyear that will seesee Problem: Fiscal Compact - budget deficit may not exceed 0.5% level. • Ratification: In contrast to other 2) Expenditure Benchmark rule - caps the growth in the intrintroductionoduction ooff threethree newnew ffiscaliscal rulerules.s. TheseThese ruleruless will a) No effective sanction government expenditure depending on the level of of GDP over the medium term. So treaties that depended on the • Compliance and Sanction: iimposempose an effectiveeffective straitjacketstraitjacket on the budgetbudget making b) No factoring in of “macro-economic growth in a member state. even after the gap is closed Any unanimous support of all member imbalances” – credit flows, inflation etc 2012 between tax revenues and current attempt by member states to states, the new treaty only requires polic policyy ooff eexistingxisting and futfutureure GoGovernments.vernments. TheyThey will impoimposese 3) Introduces semi-automatic sanctions: Failure to expenditure in Ireland in 2014, deviate from the medium term the ratification by 12 member states limit limitss ttoo the grgrowthowth ooff GoGovernmentvernment spending and will alsalsoo By 2005, some 5 of the 12 eurozone members comply with the expenditure rule, the deficit rule or Ireland will still have a structural adjustment programme as agreed in for it to come into force. Unlike other f forceorce the GovernmentGovernment ttoo rreduceeduce the dedeficitficit byby a fixedfixed were in breach or were about to breach the failure to address “macro-economic imbalances” will 1) New rule on the level of the gap owing to the size of our debt advance between the European occasions, Ireland does not have a deficit rule. The rules were strengthened in that mean a deposit is payable. If there is a second Government deficit- a balanced budget servicing payments. Commission and the member state, veto over the introduction of this amount annually if it eexceedsxceeds 33%% as a sharsharee ooff GDPGDP.. each member state had to present a medium breach, this deposit becomes a fine. will trigger an automatic correction treaty. In all, the leaders of 25 term plan (Medium term objective) to achieve • To date: Under the Six Pack of 4) Early warning system: EU will moniter “macro- (as opposed to a budget deficit below to the budget plan. A government’s member states have signed up the · TThehe momostst imporimportanttant ofof thesethese ruleruless will be the Public the target, but the rules were made more lenient measures introduced in December economic imbalances”- labour costs, inflation, capacity to determine its own draft treaty, with the UK and the Financ Financeses CCorrectionorrection RuleRule - which sstatestates that thertheree mustmust be as exceptional economic circumstances and 3%). But it is not the general 2011, a member state must first changes to taxes and spending plans Czech Republic opting out. property prices, unemployment etc a 1.51.5%% imprimprovementovement in the primarprimaryy budgebudgett dedeficitficit eacheach yyear.earar.. “other” factors accounting for economic government deficit that is the target, reduce its general government will be severely limited. Exceptional conditions were allowed to be factored in. Implementation: The majority of these measures are deficit to below 3% as a share of circumstances are provided for, but • Signing into law: the failure to set (T (Thishis is the genergeneralal governmentgovernment dedeficitficit minus the debtdebt automatically imposed with immediate effect on the but a subset of it: the structural deficit. GDP. In the three years after this, if the actual definition is not entirely down, in full, the provisions of the s servicingervicing papaymentsyments that hahaveve ttoo be made byby GoGovernment).vernment). Irish Government as EU regulations. the debt exceeds 60% as share of clear. Treaty in the Member state’s T Thishis is hugely importantimportant in that it makmakeses an allowanceallowance forfor GDP, the member state must move constitution or in legislation could Ir Ireland’seland’s massivemassive debtdebt servicingservicing burburden.den. ToTo put it in ccontext,ontext, Implementation: towards reducing its debt by one • Conditions attached: The EU’s new mean a member state will be “through provisions of binding force twentieth each year (or the average permanent bail out facility, the brought before the EU Court of b byy 22014/2015014/2015 IrIrelandeland will be handing ooverver 224%4% ooff ititss ttaxax of 1/20 over 3years). European Stability Mechanism, will Justice and a penalty will apply. r revenuesevenues in intinteresterest papayments.yments. and permanent character, preferably be established in July 2012. constitutional” T Thishis budgetbudget rule that sseekseeks improveimprove the primaryprimary budgebudgett de deficitficit is clocloselysely rrelatedelated toto the one ttwentiethwentieth rule that is ccontainedontained in the EU’sEU’s Six PPackack memeasures.asures. In shorshort,t, a larlargerger primaryprimary surplus assistsassists in the papayingying dodownwn ofof the o overallverall debdebtt levellevel - the samesame intintentent as the one ttwentiethwentieth rulerule..

· AAtt EU lelevel,vel, the newnew “balanced“balanced budgetbudget rule”rule” under the Fis Fiscalcal CompactCompact TreatyTreaty brings the cconceptoncept ooff ffiscaliscal If the treatytreaty is rrejectedejected c consolidationonsolidation toto a whole neneww lelevel.vel. It ssetsets the ttargetarget fforor Accept/Reject the treaty thertheree is no prpreciseecise claritclarityy in the referendum wher wheree the sstructuraltructural dedeficitficit mustmust be overover the medium ttermerm Excessive Deficit Procedure as ttoo the impact on and while the ootherther ruleruless setset downdown hohoww much ooff a rreductioneduction Mechanism established under the EU treaties which IrIrelandeland mustmust be achievedachieved on averageaverage yyearear on year,year, the fiscalfiscal TThehe GoGovermentverment ccurrentlyurrently obliges countries that are in breach of the 3% general We are under the "excessive compactcompact specifiesspecifies what the structuralstructural deficitdeficit musmustt bebe.. fforecastsorecasts aaverageverage grgrowthowth ofof government deficit rule or the 60% general deficit procedure"- this is the cloclosese ttoo 33%% fforor 20132013 and government debt rule to comply with recommenda- process of reducing our · ForFor Ireland,Ireland, progressprogress has been made in reducingreducing the afafter.ter. If grgrowthowth ffailsails ttoo reachreach tions and deadlines imposed by the EU Council of general government deficit to EU/IMFEU/IMF funding fforor IrelandIreland ffinishesinishes in 22013.013. If structuralstructural partpart ofof the deficit,deficit, but therethere remainsremains a long roadroad economiceconomic cconditionsonditions failfail ttoo livlivee up toto eexpecta-xpecta- this lelevel,vel, the ooverallverall debtdebt finance ministers that are set down to “correct” the below 3%. The earliest that toto trtravel-avel- the structuralstructural partpart ofof the overalloverall budgetbudget deficitdeficit tionstions,, IrIrelandeland will mostmost liklikelyely requirerequire a secondsecond bail lelevelvel will ccontinueontinue ttoo climb or excessive deficit. At present, 23 out of 27 member the rules will apply to Ireland If accepted, there will be no immediate ReducingReducing the lelevelvel ofof debdebtt outout.. ButBut acaccesscess ttoo funding fromfrom the EU'sEU's waswas 8.6%8.6% in 20112011 and ssomeome fourfour yearsyears latlaterer in 20152015 afterafter will be 2018 and that assumes impact on Ireland.... sstablisetablise at ttoooo high a lelevel.vel. states are in the excessive deficit procedure. permanent bail out mechanism - the ESMESM maymay notnot ultimatelyultimately depends on grgrowthowth €12.4bn12.4bn in taxtax increasesincreases and spending cuts,cuts, the structuralstructural that Ireland meets the deficit be possiblepossible as ratifyingratifying the FiscalFiscal CompactCompact TreatyTreaty exceedingexceeding the sharsharee ofof GDP that deficitdeficit (inclusiv(inclusivee ofof intinteresterest payments)payments) is expectedexpected toto be target by the end of 2015. is a conditioncondition fforor access.access. goegoess ttowardsowards debtdebt servicing.servicing. 3.7%3.7% - a long wayway offoff the targettarget ofof 00.5%..5%. WWithith a WhetherWhether IrIrelandeland achievesachieves a structuralstructural deficitdeficit ttargetarget ofof 0.5%,0.5%, the major impact forfor Ireland is due to re-enter the ccertainertain growthgrowth lelevelvel or nonot,t, wewe IrelandIreland will be increasedincreased austerityausterity long beyondbeyond 20152015 toto drivedrive international capital markets will stillstill hahaveve ttoo abide bbyy the the structuralstructural deficitdeficit dodownwn and moremore imporimportantly,tantly, in the in 2014, but this depends on "one"one ttwentiethwentieth rule"rule" under the eventevent that growthgrowth failsfails ttoo pick up aboaboveve anaemic levels,levels, ....unless Ireland requires a second bail out. AlternativeAlternative ssourcesources ofof funding ootherther than the open achieving higher levels of Six PPackack memeasures.asures. TTherehere will littlelittle or no wriggle rroomoom will be affordedafforded toto the StateState toto Access to the European Stability Mechanism marketmarket at prprohibitiveohibitive borrborrowingowing ratesrates is notnot liklikely.elyely.. be somesome levellevel ooff debdebtt reductionreduction increaseincrease ccurrenturrent or capitalcapital expenditureexpenditure ttoo countercounter the growth to meet our deficit has been made conditional on approval of the TheThe IMF is bound bbyy itsits ownown policiepoliciess nonott toto lend ttoo targets, and international Fiscal Compact Treaty ccountriesountries with an unsustainableunsustainable debdebtt poposition.sition. but whewhetherther this is sufficientsufficient effectseffects ofof the economiceconomic sstagnation.tagnation. confidence of the bond will be determineddetermined bbyy the pricpricee markets in Ireland. offeredoffered fforor Irish bonds on the open ccapitalapital markmarkets.ets. 18 Liberty MARCH 2012 Features

CASE STUDY ‘Only day Ireland must act on off was Sunday – rights convention I was so By Scott Millar tired...’ HE Migrant Rights a strong message regarding the MARIAAM Bhatti arrived in Centre Ireland Government’s commitment to pro - Ireland from South Africa (MRCI) has joined tect workers rights to take a lead on in July 2010 to work as an with SIPTU to call on ratifying these important protec - au pair. T tions.” the Government to ratify She had made contact new international standards SIPTU Services Division with a prospective employ - to protect domestic workers. Organiser, John King, said: “Our er on an online recruit - union’s role is to work in the best Ireland was among 183 countries interests of all workers. ment site. After arriving at that supported the adoption by the Exploitation of domestic workers, Dublin Airport on a flight International Labour Organisation particularly migrants, is a serious she had paid for herself, (ILO) of Convention No. 189 on issue that must be dealt with in Mariaam was brought to a Decent Work and Rights for order to combat a race to the bot - house in west Dublin. Domestic Workers in June last year. tom in employment standards that Although the job description The Convention aims to improve will affect all members of the work - had only mentioned one child, it conditions for the millions of force.” turned out the family had a one- women and girls employed in the The campaign to ratify year-old toddler as well as an sector. MRCI activist Aoife Smith, Convention No. 189 has recently eight-year-old. who is Coordinator of the met with Government and opposi - It quickly became clear that Domestic Workers' Action Group tion TDs – and a growing number Mariaam was expected to look (DWAG), said it was essential that have pledged their support. after both children and do all the the Government legislates to bring A meeting is also being sought housework. the rights enshrined in Convention with Richard Bruton, Minister for She said: “I started working No. 189 into force here. Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, from the day I arrived, I was not She said: “There was estimated who has direct responsibility for given a job description but sim - to be 10,100 domestic workers creating the laws that would bring ply instructed to do various employed in Ireland in 2008. Convention No. 189 into force. chores. There wasn’t a starting Domestic workers are covered by time, the kids could be up at employment laws but because of 6.30 a.m. or 7 a.m. and I was the very private nature of their supposed to work from that time work the ILO Convention recognis - to the time the last person in the es that additional protections are house went to bed which could needed to protect them from be 10pm or 11pm. The only day exploitation.” off was Sunday. I was so tired.” Issues highlighted by domestic Living in her employers’ workers include a lack of recogni - home, Mariaam was initially told not to go outside the house apart tion of overtime when on call and from when she was sent out as contractual problems. Childminder Mariaam part of her work. Ratification would see laws put now has a job with a After three weeks, Mariaam proper contract in place to ensure domestic work - told her employers she was con - ers are provided with proper con - sidering retuning home. She also tracts of employment, a safe work - asked for a contract stating how ing environment and paid leave. Thumbs-up: ILO chief Juan Somavia many hours a week she was Aoife Smith added: “Ireland is celebrates the adop - expected to work. one of the few countries where tion of Convention Her employer reacted angrily. employers, government and unions No.189 with a group of domestic workers Mariaam recalls: “She said to me, all supported the ILO’s adoption of in Geneva last year ‘You can’t just come here and this Convention. It would send out Pictures: ILO; MRCI waste my time.’ I was told I would not be paid for the three weeks I had worked if I left. She DOMESTIC WORKERS gave me a contract stating I would work a minimum of 40 hours a week for €400 a month.” THE FACTS Mariaam’s employer took her passport to make a copy of it but • 40% are working did not return it. Later when over 48 hours a week Mariaam said again that she wanted to leave, her employer • 38% are paid under said she would ring the Gardaí minimum wage, with, in and tell them Mariaam was ille - a few cases, some paid gally in the country. between €2 – €4/hour Eventually Mariaam decided to ring the Gardaí herself for help. • 30% work Sundays or They said they could not assist Bank Holidays without her. After several months extra pay/day off Mariaam decided to use her day off to go to Cork. Attempting to • 42% do not take an internal flight she came receive pay slips to the attention of the immigra - • tion authorities. Mariaam 22% employers explained her plight and was put do not pay taxes/PRSI in a shelter for asylum seekers. • 40% do not have With MRCI’s help, Mariaam a written contract took a Labour Court case against her former employers. She is now legally working as a child MRCI Survey of Migrant Domestic Workers (2010) minder in Dublin with proper Mariaam joins other members of the Domestic Workers’ Action Group in drama short ‘Acting Out for Hope and Change’ conditions of employment. Liberty 19 Features MARCH 2012

Night vision: How the new Liberty Hall will brighten Council approves up Dublin skyline new-look Liberty Hall

IPTU General Secretary for SIPTU was that as much public union to look at how it could best Proclamation was printed in the union will be largely self-financing and won’t Joe O’Flynn has wel - space as possible would be provided. meet the needs of its members in the headquarters while the leaders of the involve any cost imposition on union comed the granting of There will be a 300 seat theatre and 21st century. Rising were based in the building from members. Splanning permission to conference centre which will help An extensive grassroots consultation in where the Irish Citizen Army marched to It will also vastly improve redevelop Liberty Hall at its generate employment in the tourism 2006 revealed an overwhelming desire to the GPO on Easter Monday. environmental performance and cut traditional Liffey-side site. hotel and catering sectors of the econo - remain on the present site –not least It was decided that the present the union’s carbon footprint as well as Dublin City Council gave the green my. building – now showing its age after generating up to 200 construction and light for a more user friendly and ener - A Heritage Centre at the top of the The new-build will be largely nearly 50 years of use – should be craft jobs. building will focus on the history of Joe O’Flynn said: “The union sees gy efficient replacement for the cur - self-financing and won’t replaced. rent building on 24th February – sub - Ireland’s labour movement Other options, including refurbish - redevelopment as the key to enabling ject to a number of conditions. This will be topped by a Sky involve any cost imposition ing the current Liberty Hall, were ruled it to work more effectively towards The new-look Liberty Hall will be 22 Deck providing an unprecedented on union members. out after careful consideration. The achieving its central aim of providing storeys high – 17 for office and panoramic view of the city. NEC and two conferences of SIPTU the best possible service to its mem - meeting rooms and five for public and The granting of permission for the endorsed the project. bers and advancing the interests of cultural purposes. A key consideration build comes almost nine years after a because of its historic importance for the It is intended that the new-build working people in a fair and just society.” special committee was set up by the labour movement in Ireland. The 1916

SIPTU Membership Information & Support Centre (MISC)

8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., Monday - Friday

&NBJMNJTD!TJQUVJFtXXXTJQUVJF 20 Liberty MARCH 2012 Features Screening of the prostate: symptoms and treatments HE prostate gland is a collection of GP. Patients will usually be offered a number A raised PSA is suspicious for prostate can - tissue found in men only. It is locat - of tests by their GP to investigate these symp - cer but does not always mean one has cancer. ed just below the bladder and the toms. Similarly a normal PSA cannot always exclude tube carrying urine from the bladder A rectal examination will be performed to cancer. MIND T(the ure thra) runs through the tissue of the allow the doctor gauge the size of the A PSA will not be taken if one has a urinary prostate. prostate and also check for any suspicious tract infection or recent prostate investiga - A normal prostate is only the size of a signs. A blood test will also be taken to meas - tions and should be delayed if one has had YOUR chestnut. Its function is to produce fluid that ure the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), a intercourse in the previous 48 hours. forms part of the male ejaculate and helps hormone produced by the prostate gland. A second blood test may be suggested after protect and carry sperm. The doctor may also check a sample of a few weeks to see if the PSA level is increas - There are two main problems associated urine to rule out any infection. If these tests ing. HEALTH with the prostate: are normal, treatments can be offered. There If there is any abnormality indicating the 1. Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) are medications that work slowly to either possibility of cancer the patient will be By ILLONA DUFFY 2. Prostate Cancer shrink the gland or relax the prostate and referred to a specialist, a urologist. A biopsy bladder muscles. It can take some months to of the prostate and scans may then be Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) see a reduction in symptoms. arranged. BPH means a non-cancerous enlargement In men with severe symptoms there is a Treatment for prostate cancer varies greatly of the prostate gland. As men get older the risk that the prostate can stop all urine flow depending on what grade is diagnosed. prostate increases gradually in size and by and cause urinary retention. For these men, Surgery alone to remove the affected prostate the age of 70, 80% of men will have an surgery may be the only option to remove may be an option and in other cases hormon - enlarged prostate. some or all of the prostate tissue. al injections may also be used to shrink the Because the urethra runs through the tumour. prostate any enlargement can cause a narrow - Prostate Cancer Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also ing of this tube and cause problems with Prostate cancer remains the second most be required. passing urine. common cancer in men and 2,500 men are However, as previously mentioned, some These symptoms in most men will develop diagnosed each year in Ireland. The good prostate cancers are very mild and slow grow - gradually and include; news is that it is 90% curable if caught in the ing and no treatment may be required – in • Poor stream – The strength of flow of early stages. Also some cases of prostate can - which case the patient will have regular urine is weaker and men may find they are cer are slow growing and do not require inter - check-ups and PSA testing. no longer able to ‘hit the wall’ as they did vention. previously. There are certain risks for prostate cancer; Screening • Hesitancy – There is a delay in starting to • Age – This is predominantly a cancer of Screening for a disease means looking for it pass urine. older men with most cases in the over 60s. in healthy and asymptomatic people. Prostate • Dribbling – The urine flow no longer • Family History – Having a first degree rel - screening involves both a blood test to check stops suddenly. There may be dribbling for a ative – i.e. a brother or father with the dis - the prostate hormone level and a rectal exam - short time after. ease – increases one’s risk. ination. • Frequency – Many men find that they • Ethnic group – Prostate cancer is more There is no national prostate screening pro - need to pass urine more often and one very common in African-Caribbean men and less grame in Ireland but GPs usually offer this common symptom is the need to get up dur - common in Asian men. service upon request to these in the over 50s. ing the night. The symptoms of prostate cancer are the Advice is that men should not have the • Urgency – This means that men have less same as for BPH as both cause pressure on above tests done until they are 50 years of control of passing urine and have to pass it the urethra and lead to urinary symptoms. age except in the case of those with a family immediately on getting an urge to do so. However, pain at the base of the penis and history where it can be done from the age of All the above symptoms will usually devel - blood in either the urine or ejaculate do not 40. op gradually and many men do not seek help occur with BPH. In Ireland we now have a national prostate due to embarrassment or a feeling that it is Similar to the examination for an enlarged cancer referral system, which is similar to part of ageing and nothing can be done to prostate the doctor will perform a rectal that for breast cancer in women. It means help. examination to check for any irregularity in that patients are now seen in specialised cen - However, there are treatments and all men the prostate shape and size, and a PSA blood tres and all patients are seen quickly. should be advised to seek advice from their test will be checked.

Illona Duffy is a GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation HEALTH & SAFETY Asbestos chiefs jailed for 16 years By Sylvester Cronin TWO directors of Eternit – one of the Another 800 former Eternit workers suffer - report of Dr E.R.A. Merewether… and since multiples of thousands. It also raises the world’s largest producers of asbestos ing from asbestos-linked illnesses were then we have been continually occupied question as to whether there are employers cement – have been jailed for 16 each awarded €35,000. with precautionary measures…” around today who are aware of health dan - years by an Italian court. It was revealed that the dangers of work - Over the years, this company persistent - gers that are being concealed from workers Swiss industrialist Stephan Schmidheiny, ing with the hazardous substance was ly, vigorously and repeatedly denied that and the public? 60, and 90-year-old Belgian baron Jean- known to the firm as early as 1931. asbestos was a health risk to workers The lesson that can be drawn from the Louis de Cartier de Marchienne were also This date was contained in a reference to despite the fact that it knew differently. Eternit experience is that it is probably ordered to pay an average of €30,000 to a report compiled by Eternit’s then general We can only speculate at how many lives always advisable to maintain a healthy sus - each of the families of 2,200 victims who secretary in 1950. of innocent people would have been saved picion about what we are told by vested died from asbestos-related illnesses. In it he stated: “You will remember that if the truth had been revealed about the interests when it comes to workers’ health Last month, the Turin court found the we ourselves have already drawn your dangers of asbestos when they were and safety issues. pair guilty of negligence leading to the attention to asbestosis, through our letter known. deaths following a seven-year investigation. of 15th May 1931. In 1933 we received the That certainly would have been many Liberty 21 Know your rights MARCH 2012

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Rules on transfer of undertaking

By Tom O’Driscoll the regulations. We will examine a chocolate factory with the new protect and preserve the pension What are the the situations where the regula - employer. fund which was already in exis - obligations to consult? THE transfer of an undertaking tions apply. We will consider also If the factory, for example, was tence. The “transferor” (original from one employer to another is the protections afforded to immediately converted to a furni - employer) and “the transferee” not a rare occurrence in a reces - employees as well as the informa - ture factory by the new employer, Can I be dismissed because of a (new employer) must give infor - sion. tion and consultation require - then the regulations would not transfer? mation to employees with regard Greater competitiveness in the ments. apply. An employee cannot be dis - to the date, reasons and the prob - private sector leads to situations Finally, we’ll look at the missed on grounds related to the able legal and social effects of the where enterprises are seeking to enforcement procedures inherent I work for a charitable transfer. However, an employer transfer on the employees. consolidate resources in tight mar - in the regulations. organisation which has been may use the ETO (Economic, The employer must give this kets. Weak companies are also taken over by another charity. Technical and Organisational rea - information and consult also with bought by stronger companies in What are the necessary Neither organisation operates sons) defence to restructure an the trade union or representatives the same field. components for the for gain. Am I covered under organisation after the transfer. of the employees, in the absence Neither is the public sector regulations to apply? the regulations? This could an include an attempt of a trade union, not later than 30 immune from this phenomenon There are three fundamental Yes. Operating for economic to introduce redundancies. days before the transfer is carried and it is now probable that educa - components: gain is not a necessity and it can out, and in any event in good tion bodies, the HSE and local 1. A Transfer from one employ - therefore include charities, local Surely that is a major time before the transfer is carried authorities will increasingly seek er to another. authorities, health boards, schools weakness from a worker’s out. This consultation must be to outsource services which were 2. An Undertaking. and colleges, state and semi-state point of view? carried out “with a view to seek - once operated in-house. 3. Employees. bodies etc. Agreed. There is no timeline ing agreement”. Indeed, there is now also a high The regulations do not apply in specified as to when an employer incidence of transfer between a situation where another compa - What protections can attempt to change conditions Where are complaints state bodies as public spending ny buys the majority of shares do employees get? or introduce redundancies based processed if I believe cuts are implemented. (share sale). It can apply to a man - • Recognition of prior service in on the ETO defence. my rights are being denied? The resulting mergers and agement buy-out and outsourcing, the previous employment. However, third party bodies like Complaints must be made with - takeovers create an enormous for example. • Trade union representational the Rights Commissioner service in six months to a Rights sense of insecurity for employees. A legal transfer can include the rights and collective bargaining if and the Employment Appeals Commissioner. The Rights A European Directive resulted assignment or forfeiture of a lease in existence at the time of the Tribunal would demand a consid - Commissioner can uphold the in the European Communities or a merger. transfer. erable amount of economic evi - complaint and make the employer (Protection of Employees on • Bonus entitlements, commis - dence from an employer if such a comply with a certain course of Transfer of Undertakings Could you be more specific sion etc. defence is invoked, especially in action. The Rights Commissioner Regulations) 2003. on the transfer from one • All other terms and condi - situations where such a restruc - can also award compensation of a This is a complex area of law employer to another? tions of employment. turing is attempted within a rela - maximum of up to four weeks’ and it is always advised to seek Yes. The transfer must be an tively short time period after the pay for breach of the consultation trade union assistance when faced economic entity which retains its Are my pension transfer. and information requirements with such situations. identity and there must be a rights protected? The role of the trade union is and up to two years pay for any This month’s Know Your Rights change of employer. No. This is one of the weak - crucial in such situations if such other breach. Appeal is to the will look at the necessary basic In a simple example, a chocolate nesses of the legislation. However, attempts by employers are to be Employment Appeals Tribunal components for the application of factory must retain its identity as the new employer is obliged to successfully re-butted. within six weeks.

Tom O’Driscoll is SIPTU Head of Legal Rights Not the full Monti!

2 By Esther Lynch toF ofrmeee rm EoU vceommmenists oiofn gero Modarsi o “may 1 not send a shiver down the spine right to strike, similar to the right 0

2 Monti authored the controversial of anyone trying to organise a to collective bargaining are “an n

o draft shortly before becoming i AS IS well known, the European n strike, a real danger posed by the essential element” of freedom of Italy’s premier U

n Court of Justice (ECJ) in its a draft Regulation lies in its enforce - association. e

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o Viking, Laval, Rüffert, r ment, not through the European Campaigning against the draft

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Commission v Luxembourg and : Court, but through litigation in the Monti II but in favour of the origi - e r

u Commission v Germany rulings t national courts, where national nal Monti I will intensify when the c i called into question the very core P courts decide on proportionality of regulation is published, probably of respect for fundamental human the strike action. later in March. rights by finding that EU econom - This draft, in short, has created Whether its Monti I or some ic rights can restrict fundamental potentially fresh obstacles to the other clause it is essential that we rights such as the right to strike. right to strike. reverse the problematic case law by The cases exposed a weakness in Where such an approach would securing a regulation confirming the legal framework at EU level leave the supervisory function of that economic freedoms and com - that left trade union rights (and the European Court of Human petition rules do not have priority presumably other human rights) Rights and its case law is unclear. over fundamental human rights – open to restriction when the Which is not something that the such as the right to strike. employer was exercising his or her EU or member states can ignore. In the case of conflict between right to freedom of establishment should not be interpreted as competition principles. Following the passing of the Lisbon economic and human and social and the free movement of services. “affecting in any way the exercise The first drafts of the Regulation Treaty, all EU institutions, includ - rights, then the human and social The idea of a Monti II regulation of fundamental rights as recog - have been a worrying disappoint - ing the European Court of Justice must take precedence. was seen by trade unions as a way nised in member states, including ment. are bound by, and must comply The controversial draft was pre - to deal with the fall out of these the right or freedom to strike”. Rather than address the prob - with, the EU Charter of pared by Italian-born EU commis - rulings. The same safeguards should lems the most recent draft actually Fundamental Rights and the sioner and right-wing politician, Monti I had proved effective in apply to the exercise by employers confirms the problematic ECJ case European Convention on Human Mario Monti, before he was recent - safeguarding trade union rights of their other freedoms, such as law. It unhelpfully sets out that Rights – both of which recognise ly imposed as prime minister of from attack from EU free move - the freedom of establishment, the the exercise of fundamental rights the right to strike. his native country by the EU/ECB. ment of goods principles, by set - freedom to provide services, the such as strike action must meet a The European Court of Human ting out that the employers’ right posting of workers and to EU “proportionality” test. If that does Rights has recently ruled that the 22 Liberty MARCH 2012 Community Vital Dublin Community and drug support jobs under voluntary sector threat facing jobs cull By David Connolly MAJOR new report It is estimated that the drop in funding – based on a contraction ELEVEN jobs in a number of granting a temporary reprieve – detailing the impact of cuts on employment of roughly 35% – will led to the vital drug support projects and extend funding for a further loss of 11.150 jobs in the sector by six months until the end of June Aand services in the across Dublin will be lost the end of 2013. because of a minister’s deci - 2012. voluntary and community By 2015, it is calculated that total sion to withdraw funding. However, the funding threat sector over the last five years employment in the sector will remains, and the move to cut a was published last month. plummet from 53,098 in 2008 to Just before Christmas and with - The paper, Downsizing the out warning, Phil Hogan, Minister total of €375,000 in funding means 36,638 by 2015 – a loss of 16,460 Community Sector, was commis - full time jobs over seven years. for Environment, Community and 11 workers in the eight projects sioned by the Community Sector The reduction and removal of Local Government, decided to cut will lose their jobs and the most disadvantaged public housing areas Committee of the Irish Congress of these services will have long-term funding – provided under the Trade Unions. consequences for the poorest indi - Evidence compiled by the viduals and communities and a sig - report’s researcher, Brian Harvey, nificant number of the workers in outlines how both the current and the sector are projected to lose previous governments have target - their jobs over the next three ed the sector for significantly high - years. er cuts than implemented else - All of the indications from the where in recent austerity budgets. research in the report, and from The report showed that while current experience, is that this government spending on current process of retrenchment will con - services fell -2.82% from 2008 to • Dormant accounts -87% tinue to have a devastating impact 2012, the funding reduction in the Because of these cuts, organisa - on local communities unless the community and voluntary sector tions working in the sector have process of continuous austerity is firmly resisted both at a communi - fell by the following percentages: sharply reduced their spending ty level and nationally through the • Health services -4.5% to -29% involving pay cuts, redundancies, reduced working hours and provid - trade unions. • Voluntary social housing -54% In these circumstances it is vital • National supports -48% ing fewer and reduced services. Staff have also not been replaced that all community workers are • Local Community encouraged to join the union and Development Programme -35% and a number of communities have faced the loss of vital servic - to demand formal recognition for • Initiatives against drugs -29% es. the sector in order to protect com - • Family support projects -17% munity-based jobs and services in the longer term.

Sculpture on Buckingham Street in memory of those who died from use of hard drugs in Dublin’s North Inner City. Photo: Photocall national drugs strategy – from in the capital will lose vital servic - three projects in Inchicore: St es. Michael’s Estate, Fatima Mansions Each of these projects was set up and Dolphin House; Dolphins Barn through the local drug task forces in the Canals area and from STAR, and under the Government’s com - the Family Support Centre, in mitment to tackle the drugs crisis Ballyfermot. that still ravages these communi - In a further blow last month, ties. four community projects in In effect, despite a commitment Killinarden and Fettercairn in in the Programme for Government, and in South West and the Minister for the Environment North Clondalkin also had their has unilaterally abandoned the funding withdrawn. national drugs strategy at a time The projects affected came when there is a marked increase in together to forge a joint strategy in the misuse of hard drugs, due response to the cuts, and with the mainly to the recession, causing help of local communities, trade severe disruption in these commu - unions and elected representatives, nities. managed to force the minister into

Photo: Photocall

Tuesday 13th March, 11am CORK ing for SIPTU SIPTU, Connolly Hall, Lapps Quay, Cork Members’ Meet unity Campaign Comm [email protected] Thursday, 15th March, 11am 58 6365 | Email d DUBLIN tion: Phone (01) 8 SIPTU, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 For more informa Liberty 23 Community MARCH 2012 Health News ‘Second chance Salvation Army staff agree pay in life’ shows cut to help vital role of CE homeless SIPTU Health Division Organiser future of services offered to the Paul Bell has confirmed that mem - homeless of Dublin by the By Paul Gavan bers employed in the Salvation Salvation Army,” said Bell. Army in Dublin’s Granby Centre “Secondly, our members wanted ANAL Communities and York House have agreed to reach an agreement which Training Programme, reductions in salaries and premi - would have minimal impact on Turas, is an education ums. their conditions and take-home C and training initative The move was made to offset pay and yet ensure that their jobs specifically designed as a the 8% cut in government funding remained viable. response to the needs of for organisations caring for the “To this end, we negotiated a stabilised drug users. homeless. programme which allowed for all Eight staff members were made grades to make a contribution to Based in the Bluebell industrial redundant before Christmas and rescuing the services by making a estate and offering services to the the employers also sought pay contribution from their pay pack - canal communities of Bluebell, reductions of up to 10% as well as ets, with the lowest paid workers Rialto and Inchicore, it is one of a sharp cut in night-shift entitle - contributing 2% to 5% and more hundreds of Community ments. senior grades taking proportionate Employment schemes facing an “The employers then proposed cuts.” uncertain future. a reduction in annual leave and SIPTU members within the The scheme delivers a range of sick pay entitlements which were Salvation Army voted overwhelm - rehabilitation and employment successfully resisted by SIPTU ingly for the package and have training to its 50 CE participants, members in the opening round of now asked to see evidence of how including addiction support, voca - talks. the organisation will recover the “Our members’ approach to the remainder of the cost-saving tional education and training, out - negotiations had two main requirements through non-pay door education and evidence based strands – firstly, to secure the budgetary cuts. holistic therapies. Scheme manager Trevor Keogh expressed deep concern at the upcoming review of CE schemes with its focus on labour market acti - SIPTU ‘doesn’t trust’ vation, rather than the provision of community services. Helping hands: John Bowden with Trevor Keogh, scheme manager at Turas SUPPORTSTAT data He said: “It’s a bean counting exercise. The focus seems to be all HEALTH Service management has but were committed to “working about the financial cost of CE, not each week, so it’s helping to set schemes like Turas could be under been told SIPTU members working with it”. in the sector may no longer co- “What is simply not acceptable is the cost in terms of vital service pro - standards for them as well.” threat but already the cuts in fund- operate with the SUPPORTSTAT the constant reference to their vision, not the opportunity cost to John, another participant, had a ing are biting hard. similar story to tell. Trevor Keogh added: “The cuts initiative. roles as ‘non-core’ or ‘hotel-type’ our participants and their communi - SUPPORTSTAT, agreed under the functions and also the use of the ties of withdrawing our service in He said: “I left school at 13 with mean there’s no training allowance, no qualifications. With Turas I began individualised training is impossible Croke Park agreement, is used to ban on recruitment as an excuse to the future.“ benchmark and compare support offer our members’ work to exter - to do FETAC level 3 and 4 in now – train the trainer, forklift Trevor pointed to the good work staff resources. nal third-party providers.” carried out at schemes – such as Computers, Maths and English. licence, manual handling – there’s SIPTU Health Division Organiser, Following recent talks, HSE man - Turas which in total cater for more “We also do a lot of work on no money for that now”. The Turas Paul Bell, said: “We have told sen - agement has agreed to ensure that than 1,000 participants across the relapse prevention which I found participants are determined to pro- ior HSE managers that we do not hospitals improve data collection state. tect their scheme trust the quality and integrity of and examine how health and other “Special CE projects are the cen - and are joining the information gathered through government services in the UK SUPPORTSTAT.” and, more recently, the US are in- tral plank of the national drug reha - SIPTU’s cam- “Special CE projects are the paign urging the He pointed out that SIPTU mem - sourcing rather than out-sourcing bilitation programme, but this point bers in support staff grades – secu - positions to bolster the direct is nowhere to be seen in the terms Government to central plank of the national broaden the rity, portering, catering and clean - employment of public service of review.” ing – had made “huge sacrifices” workers. focus of the Trevor also questions how appro - drug rehabilitation programme, under the Croke Park agreement priate it is to judge drug rehabilita - terms of the upcoming r eview tion services purely in terms of pro - but this point is nowhere to be gression to work. of Community He said: “The wrong measure - seen in the terms of review.” Employment. ment is being used. No account is The campaign Warning against cuts taken of the development and is making some progress of the participants and the progress and to to home help service rehabilitative context of the work very useful in the early days of my date has secured a commitment for carried out.” recovery because for the first time in additional short- term funding for SIPTU Health Division Sector that health service workers had This point is echoed by the partic - my life I was taking responsibility schemes in difficulty while the review Organiser Louise O’Reilly has chal - often been drivers rather than lenged the Government and HSE to inhibitors of change. ipants themselves, such as James. for my actions.” is under way as well as a guarantee These themes are repeated time that no scheme will close during the live up to obligations made under She also underlined the contri - He told Liberty ; “I left school at the Croke Park agreement to use bution SIPTU members had made 13, I couldn’t read or write and fell and again by others who have taken review period. part in the scheme. More significantly, the direct labour as widely as possible. to cost containment measures and into drug addiction. After one year She made the call at a confer - warned against allowing cuts to A third participant, David, Department of Social Protection has on this programme I’m reading, ence, titled Health Service Reform services – such as the home help summed up writing, doing computers. My own his time with Turas as now given a commitment that the and the Government’s First Year – service – which are so vital to children now see me going to work “a second chance in life for me.” campaign will have an input into What Progress?, on 8th March. Government plans for community- It’s hard to believe that invaluable the review. O’Reilly pointed out to delegates based health care delivery. 24 Liberty MARCH 2012 News SIPTU delegation briefs senators on

Labour’s and Susan O’Keeffe, above, met delegation from Croke Park deal SIPTU invited to the Seanad by Sinn Fein senator , below

SIPTU briefed senators on Reform; Marie Moloney, former rage of negative media comment the progress of the Croke SIPTU staff member; Susan on the agreement which is based Park agreement during a O’Keeffe, and John on a refusal to recognise that it is visit to Leinster House last Gilroy. delivering the reforms for which it The briefing included details of was designed. month. action plans in the Non- “We refuted the myth that abol - It followed an invitation from Commercial Semi-State Bodies ishing increments for public ser - Sinn Fein senator David Cullinane (NCSSBs); the working of the vants would result in massive sav - to Sector Organiser Jane Boushell Implementation Committees as ings. We explained that those eligi - and Industrial Organiser Brendan well as outlining actual examples ble for increments were by and O’Brien. of changes made and flexibility large the more junior staff on During their 9th February visit to shown by SIPTU members on a lower grades and indeed that such the Seanad, the SIPTU delegation daily basis. a cut would disproportionately also met a number of Labour Party They also underlined members’ affect women working in the pub - senators, including , concerns for the future. Jane lic service, who make up a greater member of the Joint Committee on Boushell told Liberty : “We brought number of the lower grades.” Finance, Public Expenditure and their attention to the constant bar - Photo: Sinn Fein senator David Cullinane

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Liberty 25 Fire-fighters MARCH 2012

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Fire-fighters’ in historic links with union By Scott Millar

HE fire service has a for nearly eight weeks and it was uncle was the radical socialist folk long history of trade quite evident after that that the singer Luke Kelly. union organisation – only way to deal with industrial Luke said: “I suppose it was a stretching back 150 confrontation was on a national mother’s milk kind of thing. That T basis. So the national committee was a factor but I was also lucky years to the founding of became more important to what enough to work in the Tara Street Dublin Fire Brigade in June we were doing.” station which has a long tradition 1862. The committee has developed a of committed trade unionists. It is against this distinguished close relationship with the Fire “The union was strong in the tradition that the members of the Brigade Union (FBU) – a sister station with members always kept SIPTU National Fire-fighters union of SIPTU in the UK. Both informed of developments. I’ve Committee are determined to con - organisations pool research and learnt the lessons from the people tinue their work. hold joint union training courses. before me and I try to keep that The committee, which repre - A fire-fighter for 15 years and the tradition going.” sents about 1,200 full-time SIPTU chair of the Dublin Section, Luke Paul Mandigan represents the fire-fighters throughout the coun - 60 staff at fire station. He also highlights continuity as a Photo from left: Gerry Hines (SIPTU Dublin Fire Brigade), Brian try, meets every two months. His interest in trade unionism It consists of representatives key factor in maintaining the Murray, Luke McCann, Con Casey (SIPTU Organiser), Paul Mandigan nominated by the SIPTU fire-fight - is part of a long family tradi - union’s strength. er section committees which are tion – his uncle Jimmy Kelly “The union has always been on the service as well as taking questions, ‘What are you going to organised on a regional basis. served as a senior SIPTU offi - strong in Limerick. When I entered into account whether “sufficient charge?’, ‘How are you going to the fire service I was inspired by resources were there in the first charge?’, ‘Who are you going to SIPTU National Fire-fighter cial while another uncle was Committee member Brian Murray committed officers of the union place.” Brian Murray believes the charge?’.” thinks the work of the national the radical socialist folk singer such as Terry Hickey.” Committee must play a lead role He fears charges will discourage committee is crucial despite the Luke Kelly. As well as the day-to-day issues not only in industrial relations but people from making calls until a fact that the fire service is organ - of representing members, Paul says also in highlighting wider issues. fire has caused more damage. ised on an individual local authori - the major issue facing the commit - He is particularly angered at local In the SIPTU National Fire-fight - ty basis. McCann, has been a national com - tee is dealing with changes brought authorities introducing charges for ers committee it is clear that it is For Brian, what he calls “the key mittee member for less than a year. about by the Croke Park agree - calling out the Fire Brigade. not only union members but also learning point” for him was the His interest in trade unionism is ment. He thinks “there is not Brian said: “The union is the the public who have a strong cham - 1988 fire-fighters’ strike in Dublin. part of a long family tradition – his enough evaluation of their impact” only one [able] to articulate the pion. He recalls: “We were out of work uncle Jimmy Kelly served as a sen - and believes any cuts must be possible consequences. The coun - ior SIPTU official while another weighed up in terms of the affect cillors never asked the necessary 26 Liberty MARCH 2012 International Conflict in Syria raises tensions across the region streets of the Egyptian capital. Last month’s recalling of the Egyptian ambassador from Damascus is regarded as a hugely By David Lynch significant diplomatic move, isolat - in Cairo ing the Assad regime in the Arab world. S THE crisis in Syria The recall was championed not continues, it threat - just by the Syrian opposition in ens to further desta - exile, but by the Muslim A bilise its neighbour Brotherhood majority in the newly- Lebanon. Thousands of elected Egyptian People’s Assembly. refugees are reported to have In Egypt, firm dates have been set fled the besieged city of for the first post-revolution “free Homs and travelled to the Presidential election” with voting Lebanese border. taking place at the end of May and In Beirut, supporters and oppo - the result known in June. nents of the Damascus regime have However, with the result of the taken to the streets, increasing fears that instability could spread Hosni Mubarak “trial of the centu - to that already divided country. ry” due to be delivered before then, Fighting between forces loyal to Egyptians are concerned. Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad If Mubarak is found guilty of and resistance fighters who want to involvement in the deaths of pro - see the end of his rule continue Members of Ireland’s Syrian community protest against Assad outside House last year. testors during the January revolu - across Syria. is a uniquely tense time in the region. waters of the Nile. However, inside change" in Syria), the Arab nations tion, he could face the possible The UN says Syrian security The unfolding events in Syria are the building there has been furious are finding it difficult to present a death penalty. But if this is not the forces have killed more than 7,500 judgment, then the revolutionary civilians since the revolt against watched carefully both in diplomat - diplomatic activity in recent weeks. unified front on the Syrian crisis. Assad’s rule began in March last ic circles and on the streets in Cairo. With voices in the US Republican Egypt and Syria have long ties, groups will likely be back on the year. People gloomily gather around TV Party calling for Syrian rebels to be and in the late 1950s and early ‘60s, streets again, denouncing the mili - The crisis in Syria, added to the sets in coffee shops contemplating armed – through the auspices of the they were briefly the same country tary and judiciary. looming threat of an Israeli military with increasing concern the Syrian Arab League, and with Russia and ruled by Gamal Abdel Nasser. strike on Iran and the political civil war. China reluctant to vote for UN reso - Thousands of Syrian exiles have David Lynch is the author of ‘A Divided instability in Egypt in the run up to Just outside Tahrir Square, the lutions condemning Assad (accus - fled to revolutionary Cairo in the Paradise – An Irishman in the Holy Land’ the first post-Mubarak Presidential large headquarters of the Arab ing Western and Arab nations of past year, and the Syrian opposition (New Island 2009). He blogs at www.arab - election in the summer, means this League is situated beside the calm pushing for Libya-style "regime keeps a strong presence on the springinmystep.com

A Filipino lawyer has highlighted the continu - ing attacks against Attorney speaks of terrible toll of human rights defenders in his homeland. Edre Olalia, Secretary General standing up for rights in the Philippines of the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL), was struggling to defend human Aquino III was elected president 18 daughter. He had just left a union Maguindanao massacre three years speaking at a meeting in Liberty rights in the Philippines, months ago. meeting. ago. Hall on 28th February. Olalia pointed out that one Karapatan has documented 67 This summary execution of 30 Quoting playwright Sebastien Law professor Gil Gojol was shot per cent of the population extra-judicial killings – 37 of these journalists was carried out by local Roch Nicholas Chamfort, he to death after attending a court controlled more than 90% of were human rights defenders. warlords linked to the former gov - said: “We leave unmolested hearing. He was murdered while the country’s wealth. There have also been nine cases of ernment. those who set fire to the house, sitting in his car. Edra Olalia also It was agreed by those and prosecute those who sound enforced disappearances since July remembered Concepcion Brizuela, Olalia told the meeting: “Aquino the alarm.” 2010. A total of eight human rights a founding member of the NUPL, came into power riding on the Describing the Philippines as lawyers have been murdered in the who lost her life in the infamous crest of promise for reforms. But “There has been no a country “fraught with a last 10 years. since then, there has been let-up in the terror and Outlining some individ - no fundamental departure hideous human rights record”, violence – especially he pointed out that standing up ual cases, Olalia recalled from the human rights poli - for human rights there meant Juvy Magsino, a vocal oppo - cy, and neither is there any against human rights nent of abuses carried out change in the basic socio- “putting oneself in the line of defenders.” by the military and large- economic conditions that fire”. scale mining projects. breed these human rights Human rights group present to meet again on Magsino, a lawyer for pro - violations. Karapatan reported that 34 Saturday 21st April in Liberty gressive organisations, was “There has been no let-up human rights workers had been Hall to discuss the formation shot to death while driving in the terror and violence – of a Philippines solidarity killed extra-judicially, and her car. especially against human campaign in Ireland. another 68 had disappeared Another human rights rights defenders.” For further details contact: during the administration of lawyer, Felidito Dacut, was Calling for the re-forma - former president Gloria Arroyo. [email protected] shot dead while out buying Attorney Edre Olalia has called for the setting up tion of a solidarity campaign And there has no been let up milk for his three-year-old of a Philippines solidarity campaign in Ireland in Ireland to help those in the bloodshed since Benigno Liberty 27 International MARCH 2012

Ganley or Guevara? No contest!

WHO do you think would better Galway City Council last year. symbolise the struggle of He is joined in his latest cam - oppressed nations for independ - paign by Independent columnist ence, or the rights of women, Kevin Myers, and by Florida- children and men to freedom based member of the US House from poverty and disease, or of of Representatives, Ileana Ros- friendship between peoples – Lehtinen. Libertas founder, Declan Ganley, It is hard to find many people or Argentine-born revolutionary, wearing t-shirts emblazoned Che Guevara? Thought so. with the fine features of Ganley Ganley, who made his mil - or Myers whereas tens of mil - lions from ventures such as sup - lions have adorned the image plying telecommunications Che created by Dublin-based equipment to military and artist Jim Fitzpatrick. emergency services and from Che’s ancestors were called selling privatised forestry and Lynch and hailed from Galway other state assets in Albania and which prompted the proposal Eastern Europe has railed for a suitable memorial in the against the proposed monument western capital. to Che which was agreed by

Visualisation of proposed monument to Che Guevara

Press pundit: Kevin Myers Media attack: Declan Ganley

Oslo court win for sacked activist Stay Informed! NORWEGIAN trade unionist together to challenge logistics giant Monica Okpe has been award - DHL on workplace rights. Are you receiving Liberty Online? ed €42,000 compensation The ITUC, the ITF and UNI global after a local court ruled that union called on DHL to guarantee the (SIPTU’s bi-weekly e-zine sent out via email to DHL had broken labour laws rights of workers wherever they are. members) If not send your email address, in sacking her. Alan Tate, campaigns director at together with your name and membership The 6th March ruling also called UNI global union, said: “For us this number to [email protected] for the Oslo Transport Workers’ has always been about two things – Union branch secretary to be rein - dialogue and a negotiated global stated, framework agreement that says, Are you receiving Liberty Okpe was dismissed in May last ‘Yes, we think all our workforce newspaper to your workplace? year by management at the Ulven deserves the same basic protection If not, send your name, workplace address, and terminal in Oslo for “unexplained and rights’.” absences”. phone details to [email protected] and we will add Throughout her fight for justice, you to our distribution list. Please specify how she insisted that she was sacked many copies of Liberty you would be able to because of her trade union activities, distribute. Welcoming the ruling, Mac Urata of the International Transport Workers’ Federation, said: “This is a Do you use the SIPTU website? victory for common sense, for natu - The SIPTU website is updated daily with all ral justice, and for the principles of the latest news, stories and features trade unionism. Monica has fought hard – buoyed up by the good wish - visit www.siptu.ie es of her fellow trade unionists – and now she has deservedly won.” Meanwhile, a coalition of global ‘Victory for common sense’: Monica union organisations have come Okpe after her court victory Picture: ITF 28 Liberty MARCH 2012 Book Reviews Indispensible study of Irish labour movement A Labour interaction. History It is one of the ironies of of Ireland Irish labour history that the 1824-2000 defeat of the 1913 Lockout is Emmet remembered far more than the O’Connor successes of 1918-22 when the UCD Press ITGWU grew to more than €28 120,000 members, perhaps 60,000 of them rural workers. Rather than rely on the old “Labour must wait” clichés, S Emmet O’Connor O’Connor identifies how the points out in his revolutionary nationalist introduction, the first upsurge benefitted radical Abook on labour histo - union organising. ry by an Irish-based academ - In essence, Labour chose to ic appeared in 1920, while wait – whether or not readers the second was published in agree with O’Connor’s explana - 1977. tion of why, he is right to try This, he suggests, “says a lot and provide an alternative about Irish academics”. The publi - interpretation of this seminal cation of the original edition of A period. Labour History of Ireland in 1992 He also clearly shows that should have marked a turning north-east was affected point. differently and a strength of the Regrettably, despite the efforts of book is his survey of labour in the Irish Labour History Society, , in times of and a number of significant stud - conflict and relative ‘peace’. ies, labour history remains very While the original edition much a minority pursuit in concluded in the early 1960s, Ireland. this book takes us through eras Perhaps this updated and illus - of labour confidence and mili - trated edition of O’Connor’s book ‘Professional agitator’ of early 20th century tancy, social partnership and will inspire a new generation of neo-liberalism. scholars. It certainly deserves to be industrial Belfast – an “Elysium for It is not a sentimental read. read – indeed anyone involved in working men”, according to its Lord O’Connor pulls no punches in Irish trade unionism or left-wing Mayor in 1898 – the underdevelop - his criticism of those who had activism should buy this book, the ment of the rest of the country and seen nationalism as the only most comprehensive overview of Irish workers’ activity in Britain. obstacle to “normal” labour pol - their movement. The importance of the formation of itics in Ireland and few histori - A very worthwhile addition to the ITGWU as an explicitly Irish union cal characters escape his sharp the text is the more than 60 pen is emphasised and the roles of Larkin pen. portaits of major characters men - and Connolly prior to 1916 re-inter - Agree with him or not, this is preted. Veteran tioned in the narrative. an indispensable study. activists of O’Connor traces early labour As well as taking seriously the wave Brian Hanley the labour organisation and class conflict in of working class militancy that fol - movement in front of both urban and rural Ireland lowed the Great War, O’Connor looks Jim Larkin’s before the Great Famine. at the various players in labour and statue He notes the development of republican politics and their uneasy Anti-war activist makes Cuban 5 appeal to Irish government US ANTI-WAR activist, Cindy keep the locket until their hus - Sheehan, has called on the Irish bands and sons were returned to government to support efforts to Cuban soil,” she said. secure the immediate release of “It makes sure that I will contin - five Cubans detained in the US. ue to campaign for them until The five were arrest for alleged these men are released.” terrorist offences after they had Sheehan has been arrested and infiltrated organisations in Miami jailed in the US for her anti-war that were plotting to destabilise campaigning including her protests the Cuban government. outside the White House in Four of the Cuban 5 are serving Washington. Last week, she lengthy sentences while the fifth, brought her campaign for the Rene Gonzales, has been released Cuban 5 to the US embassy in but is serving three years of Dublin where she unsuccessfully Artist of the “supervised probation” in Miami, tried to deliver a letter of protest Revolution The Florida. Cindy Sheehan: Cuban 5 appeal to President Barack Obama. Cartoons of Speaking in Liberty Hall on which she gave them a locket con - She also called on the US govern - Ernest Kavanagh International Women’s Day (8th taining a photograph of her eldest ment to allow Rene Gonzales to By James Curry March), Cindy Sheehan recounted son, Casey, who was killed while return to Cuba immediately where (Publisher a meeting with the wives and fami - serving with US troops in . his brother, Roberto, is suffering Mercier History) lies of the Cuban 5 in Havana after “I told them that they could from a terminal illness. Liberty 29 Book Reviews MARCH 2012 Alice Milligan ...flying the flag for a New Ireland

By Michael Halpenny In the spring of 1916 Sean allowed to have a ticket at all. 1898 centenary of the 1798 bering the Irish speaking farm Connolly, actor and Citizen However, if she travelled far from Rebellion, the struggle for labourers of her youth in Tyrone, Army soldier hoisted the Irish her class roots, (though she never Independence of 1916 through to but more imbued with the zeal to Tricolour on the stage of the broke with her family) she was, in the Civil War. She continued her make the language part of that (then) Liberty Hall Theatre, the words of the Irish writer, activism in support of republican reimagining of National conscious - during a performance of a play Padraic Colum, heir to that core of prisoners and in Anti-Partition cam - ness. In doing so, as the author fur - written by Republicanism in the North that paigns, recognising only too keenly ther notes, she was one of a band –“Under Which Flag”. Three went to form leaders of the 1798 what she regarded as the perni - of women activists who founded weeks later he was to unfurl that Rebellion. cious effect of partition in enhanc - the majority of Gaelic League same flag over Dublin Castle in one Her whole life was informed by ing sectarianism in the North Branches and provided many of its of the first acts of the Rebellion her mission to make a difference under the new Stormont organiser teachers- feminism and and he became one of its first casu - and make the connection between Government. the language intertwined. Overall alties. James Connolly’s play itself responsibility and action. And act However, it is as much her role she offered a vision of a Republic was inspired by the work of a she did. An early feminist and in what has come to be called the and Republicanism which was nei - woman he had known and some - nationalist activist she founded Irish Literary Revival and in the ther narrow nor sectarian but times worked with over a period of branches of the Irish Womens work of the Gaelic League that her instead broad in its social aspect nearly 20 years, -Alice Milligan. Association in 1894. She knew and enduring mark is made. As a prolif - and in its definition of Irishness. It was in the journal “Shan Van associated with other women of ic poet, novelist and dramatist she This profound work by Vocht” founded by Alice Milligan ‘Let us realise our like mind (and background) such as Catherine Morris is detailed, well and her friend and collaborator, responsibility at this Alice Stopford Green the historian referenced and does some consider - Anna Johnston (better known as and Mary Spring Rice (both able service to current debate. Most the poet, Ethna Carbery), that crisis in our country’s involved in the Howth Gun of all it affords the reader a view of Connolly, on his own behalf and history and act upon it’ Running of 1914, ferrying arms to Ireland and the North before the the Irish Volunteers and Citizen “carnival of reaction” (in both that of the Irish Republican (Alice Milligan 1898) Socialist Party, articulated his early Army). She also knew Thomas Southern and Northern sectarian McDonagh and was a friend of States) that Connolly predicted thinking on the idea of the Irish moved to Belfast she attended Roger Casement, although, as the would be the enduring legacy of Republic .He saw it as -“….a rally - Methodist College and while there author notes, unlike Casement or partition. In doing so it also offers ing point for the disaffected, a were early signs of promise there a glimpse of the possibility of a bet - haven for the oppressed, a point of as to her literary ability, there was Sketch by Milligan for costume ter, more inclusive future on the departure for the Socialist, enthusi - little in her early formation to sug - design of Queen Meabh c. 1898-1901 whole island. astic in the cause of human free - gest such a radical mind or to An early feminist and was a truly creative organiser in the If it has a fault, it is minor, and dom….” (1897).These were views point to a lifetime of activism as a nationalist activist she reawakening of the Irish National it is that, while clearly thematic, which Alice Milligan not only Feminist, Republican, consciousness, which was, as the the chapters are a bit long for the thought worthy of a platform, but Internationalist, founded branches of author notes, for both Alice average reader of a biography. to which she personally sub - activist or as a principal part play - the Irish Womens Milligan and James Connolly, a However, this is mere quibble scribed, (even if she disagreed with er in the Irish Literary Revival. foundational part of the process of against a book which not only Connolly on the issue of absten - This book tells of her journey, and Association in 1894. decolonisation. In doing so she remembers a great Irish woman but tionism to the Westminster an exciting and exhilarating jour - blazed a propagandist trail through is one to inform and above all Parliament. Unlike Connolly she ney it was at that. It was a lifetime the use of Tableaux, as what in the inspire. And God knows we all was in favour of abstention of Irish journey away from what was, no Maude Gonne MacBride, she never 20th century was known as “agit - need plenty of that! Republican Socialist Party MP’s, doubt, for many of her Methodist converted to Roman Catholicism prop” and also the use of the then were they to be elected!) College female contemporaries, a nor felt any need to seek legitimacy latest technology in projection of Alice Milligan and The Irish Alice Milligan was born in comfortable life of domestic and through such a move. images of struggle for public dis - Cultural Revolution Omagh, County Tyrone in 1866 social servitude to the middle class As a republican activist all her play by “Magic Lantern” into a Unionist family who never - norms of the day, in which women By Catherine Morris life, her involvement spanned the She threw herself into the Irish theless had an interest in things were always to be in the 2nd or 3rd (Four Courts Press 2012) period from the mid 1890’s, the language movement, part remem - literary and Irish. When the family class carriage. That is, if they were

Dear editor I would like to inform you about our set up in the hospital and the general reaction to Liberty and some other favourable comments. We receive 150 copies of the newspaper each month and in order to reach as big an audience as possible we have the following distribution method in place. We distribute liberty at strategic departments throughout the hospital. i.e. out-patients, a&e, physio,day ward, x-ray etc. Each staff member is responsible for his/her department. Liberty is also placed in the staff canteen and the public restaurant. Very favourable public comment has been passed on to members of staff with the most common being: ‘Never knew SIPTU had a newsletter.’ ‘Didn’t realise how much good work SIPTU does’. ‘Amazed to see how engaged the union was in local and national issues.’ ‘Great to hear an alternative and informed opinion.’ Finally, the fantastic work the union does for it’s migrant workers and particularly our member Augusta Memudghen in Tallaght is also appreciated. Efforts by the union saved her job and this was duly recognised by her and her family in a letter of thanks to Jack O' Connor. Ned McGrath, Trustee of SIPTU Benevolent Fund, presenting a cheque for €1,750 to Roy Keep up the good work, Willis of Mallow Day Care Centre, with SIPTU members and volunteers at the Day Care Broc Delaney. Centre. Photo by S Murphy. 30 Liberty MARCH 2012 Sport . y h p a r g o t o h p

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y s e t r u o c

o t o h P All Ireland Setanta Cup at closing stages

By Brendan O’Brien North/South Cup (1962/3), the existed since 2005 and features In previous years, the format of fray. Blaxnit Cup (1967-74), the Texaco the top teams from each league, the competition has been two So far, the first legs have gener - While much has been Cup (1974/5) and the Tyler Cup which involves the winners and group stages followed by knockout ally favoured the teams from the written over the years (!978/80). runners-up of the respective rounds, though this year it’s two Airtricity League, with Shamrock regarding the pros and When all of the previous all leagues, as well as the winners of legged knock-out rounds from the Rovers beating Cliftonville 2-0 in cons of having two profes - the respective major cup competi - off, with the final to be decided Tallaght and Rovers beating sional soccer leagues on island competitions are included, Shamrock Rovers have been tions. on the day. Glentoran by the same scoreline the island of Ireland, there The current Setanta Cup In this year’s two leg first in the Showgrounds. has been an All-Ireland crowned soccer’s All Ireland Champions a record nine times, Champions are Shamrock Rovers, round, Glentoran and Cliftonville Meanwhile, Bohemians and competition for associa - while United has the knocked out Bray Wanderers and Crusaders drew 0-0 in Seaview, tion football in one form while Linfield hold the title of Northern Ireland’s most success - distinction of being the most suc - St Pats 7-2 and 2-0 respectively, while City came away from or another over the cessful club having won the com - while Derry City and Bohemians with a 1-1 result decades. ful All Ireland club with four wins. petition most times (twice). eliminated Lisburn Distillery and against Linfield. The current all island soccer Overall, clubs from the Linfield are to date the sole Portadown 7-0 and 3-1 respectively. While both Rovers will expect competition is the Republic have won 15 all island Northern Ireland winners of the The Quarter Final stage has to progress to the semis, the other Cup and is the successor of previ - competitions, while Northern competition, as well as being the seen the respective League and two games are finely balanced, all ous club football competitions, Ireland sides have won 13 titles. first winners of the competition Cup champions from each league, of which will be played on 20th namely the Dublin/Belfast The Setanta Sports Cup has in 2005. Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, March. Intercity Cup (1941-49), the Crusaders and Linfield, enter the

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‘ Taking Charity begins at home DENIS O’Brien’s determination to not like pesky trade unions and has strengthen his grip on the Irish been consistent in his refusal to rties media is matched only by his clear engage collectively with them. Libe dislike of the Oireachtas appointed There is no doubt that he has been tribunal which dared to challenge the very supportive of Irish charities and appropriateness of his business deal - good causes, including the Special "This whole murky saga, and the collusion with ings with former minister Michael Olympics, but his support for human the police and the security services, has clear par - Lowry. rights abroad, through Amnesty allels with the Leveson investigations and RMT In Talbot Towers, home of the Indo International and Front Line ’ titles, workers shivered when they Defenders, has not been matched by demands full disclosure and will have no hesitation read his recent attack on the mild a similar commitment at home. in pursuing legal action against those involved in mannered Mr Justice Moriarty. Perhaps someone should have a this scandal." With remarkable and less than world with the Dalai Lama, Bono or erudite bluster O’Brien was recently Desmond Tutu, all of whom serve as quoted as telling students that the members of the Leadership Council RMT General Secretary Bob Crow on revelations Tribunal findings against him were of Front Line Defenders, of which that state agencies and employers in the UK assist - “shite”. Living in Malta, the tax exile Denis O’Brien is a co-founder and O’Brien shows scant regard for the trustee. ed the so-called ‘Consulting Association’ in drawing tribunal system, almost as little as he up blacklists of trade union activists. (6th March) does for Irish workers. Dinny does Denis O’Brien: Not a fan of trade unions

“Just as nobody can ever calculate precisely the billions gained by Denis O’Brien as a result of get - ting the most lucrative government contract in the history of the State from disgraced politician “Dirty Digger” drops in on Dublin Michael Lowry, nobody can ever calculate the loss to Sean Gallagher — or indeed the — THE kettle was on at the NUJ offices His reply was a classic – almost recently when word came through of Jesuitical – there is ''no illegality any - by RTE’s foul treatment of him.” a surprise visitor to Dublin. Rupert where until it is proven''. Murdoch, right, was in town. There’s been plenty of evidence of New Sindo editor Anne Harris attacks the newspa - Needless to say he did not drop in illegal and immoral behaviour in to the union’s office near Busaras and Murdoch titles – why else did he pers biggest shareholder while ramping up its cam - he passed Liberty Hall without calling close down the News of the World ? paign against RTE over the Gallagher tweet. (11th in on the editor of Liberty . By the way Murdoch is still a March) Instead, he dined with the stars of Knight Commander of St Gregory, an the Irish Sun in the opulent surround - honour bestowed by Pope John Paul ings of the Merrion Hotel. As a result II. Any chance his sucessor will of a tweet, the media door-stepped strip the old codger of such a presti - “Well I am delighted to hear that the people of Murdoch and asked him if there was gious honour, given apparently for Northern Ireland are the happiest in the United any illegality at any of his newspapers conspicuous service to the Church? in Ireland. Kingdom. I have to say to that honourable gentle - man that their representatives in the house don’t always give that impression.”

Tory Prime Minister David Cameron responding to DUP’s Nigel Dodds in the House of Commons when So who’s sorry now, Miche ál ? he highlighted a new survey showing that people in THE grudging apology by Micheál brought us There’s nothing more Blame Cowen Ahern Northern Ireland are the happiest in the UK. (1st Martin at the recent Fianna Fáil Irish Than Barack Obama . Don’t blame me March) Ard Fheis won him a standing Released in January last “I’m Collective Responsibility ovation even though it was a bit Micheál Martin” is available on Let’s start again on the vague side. No mention of YouTube and includes the lines: Forget it all the unwarranted cut in the mini - I’m Micheál Martin With Micheál Martin and “We were in government and we should have mum wage, for example. Saying sorry to you all Fianna Fáil acted differently. We made mistakes. We got We would have preferred if he I’m the leader of Fianna Fail Or as Connie Francis used to things wrong. And we are sorry for that. No equiv - has stuck to the Corrigan broth - We made mistakes, that is true sing “Who’s Sorry Now?” ers’ script, from the lads who If I forget them so can you ocation. No half-apology. Just the plain, unvar - nished truth.”

Fianna Fáil leader Michael Martin tells his party’s Ard Fheis that he is “sorry” for 14 years of misrule. Do you want your old lobbying (2nd March) washed down? IT’S GREAT to see spin doctors in a spin for a change. tor Martin Macken heads up Q4 Public Relations The Government is looking at registering paid lobby - while former FF TD Jim Glennon now serves as ists and this is exercising the mind of many well- Chairman of Edelman PR. heeled, articulate lobbyists who made money by mak - But of course spin doctors and public affairs con - ing back-door representations to politicians. sultants come in all shapes, sizes and political hues. Open and transparent representation for and on The media has a role to play here also. It should not behalf of citizens is entirely legitimate but what’s at take a piece of legislation to ensure that a Public stake here is the subtle and not-so-subtle pressure Affairs consultant prone to advising ministers should applied by former parliamentarians, for example, who not be wheeled out as an objective observer. Available in all suddenly become public affairs consultants. Likewise, economists working for those who bank - Some of their work involves presentation and spin, rupt the nation should not be allowed near Morning Easons shops some involves representation and lobbying. Ireland to lecture the rest of us. North and South. For example, former FF General Secretary and sena - SIPTU MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

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