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Report of the SIPTU Oil & Gas Review Group

Vol. 10 No.6 July 2011 ISSN 0791-458X Troika did noT seek cuT in WaGes of loW paid Workers By FRANK CONNOLLY of the JLC system that recom- domestic economy is the engine mended its retention and added of growth and if you keep taking The EU/ECB/IMF Troika did NOT that they would not be consider- cogs out of the engine by imped- seek to scrap the Joint Labour ing its recommendations until the ing people’s ability to spend, you Committee/Employment autumn. will choke it completely,” Patricia Regulation Order (JLC/ERO) wage They also indicated that they King told Liberty. setting mechanisms during last had not studied the controversial “The three representatives were year’s talks on securing an €85 bil- reform proposals put forward by very clear that they did not seek lion loan facility with the Fianna the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise to have the pay of low paid work- Fáil-Green Party government. and Innovation, Richard Bruton. ers cut through a reform of the At a meeting with Congress According to SIPTU Vice JLC/ERO system. They have not leaders in Dublin on Wednesday President, Patricia King, who met considered the issue and they will (13th July), the Troika representa- the Troika along with Congress not be assessing the findings of tives confirmed that they had not General Secretary, David Begg, and the Duffy/Walsh review until the asked the previous administration Congress economist, Paul autumn,” she said. to cut the wages of low paid work- Sweeney, the EU, ECB and IMF Patricia King said she pointed ers through reforming the representatives also agreed that out to the Troika that the claims JLC/ERO and Registered cutting the wages of the lowest by some employer groups and by Employment Agreement system. paid workers would only damage Minister Bruton that JLC reform However, they said they had the prospects for economic recov- would create thousands of jobs in sought an independent review of ery. low paid sectors were spurious. sectoral wage agreements during “They accepted that taking the “I explained to them – and they the discussions. spend out of the pockets of low appeared to accept – that there The Troika representatives con- paid workers would dampen the was no basis to these claims. firmed they had not yet read the prospects for recovery. “I said that there were more independent Duffy/Walsh review “They also accepted that the likely to be further closures in the

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ORGANISING FOR FAIRNESS AT WORK AND JUSTICE IN SOCIETY • WWW.SIPTU.IE • JOIN ONLINE 2 Liberty JULY 2011 News

In this month’s Liberty

Intern scheme must offer quality jobs page 4 Photo from left Frances Nagle, Roisin Kelly, Tom Doherty Tony Kenny, Michael Bergin and Michael Hayes Photo: Declan Monaghan SIPTU strike action at Cliffs of Chasing Conrad Gallagher Moher centre page 7 SIPTU members at the Cliffs of proposals as “seriously deficient” by the Labour Court,” Tony Kenny Moher visitor centre in county SIPTU Organiser, Tony Kenny said said. Clare commenced strike action on that staff had overwhelmingly “We have said for weeks that Thursday (14th July) after they rejected them in a ballot on the company can avoid industrial rejected the latest pay proposals Wednesday (13th July). action if it returns to the Labour by management. Pickets were “The proposals from manage- Court to deal with the issues in Patricia King talks placed at the coach park and at ment were seriously deficient and dispute and agrees to the appoint- Croke Park the pedestrian entrance to the went nowhere near addressing the ment of an independent court Cliffs of Moher centre. A static failure of the Cliffs of Moher com- assessor” he said. “We are also page 9 protest took place at the car park pany which is wholly owned by calling on the members of Clare entrance. Many tourist buses have Clare County Council to give pari- County Council to convene an not entered the coach park as the ty of pay, sick pay and premium urgent meeting to discuss this dis- result of the picket. pay with local authority workers pute at one of Ireland’s leading Describing the management to our members as recommended tourism attractions.” Jack O’Connor addresses Congress pages 12-13 Call on sports bodies to reduce ticket prices Sporting organisations must take must do more to attract support should be more of an effort to help account of the economic climate given the severe financial con- those in financial straits,” he said. and lower their ticket prices, straints in which many families A spokesperson for the GAA said The default debate according to Labour TD Aodhán Ó find themselves. that the organisation had cut ticket Ríordáin. “Initiatives our sporting organi- prices by €5 for this years All pages 23 & 26 Expressing concern at low atten- sations could undertake would be Ireland championship. However, dance figures at recent Irish sport- to extend concessions for matches the price of a stand ticket for this ing events Ó Ríordáin said this was to social welfare recipients. At a year’s football and hurling finals evidence that the Gaelic Athletic time when more than 400,000 peo- will cost €80 compared to €70 last Association, the FAI and the IRFU ple are unemployed, there really year. Palestine special pages 28-29 National Officer Elections Nominations for the positions of General President and Vice President will close on Friday 29th July, 2011. Nominations, on the prescribed nomination form, should be sent to Joe O’Flynn, General Secretary, SIPTU, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1.

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Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. hotel industry rather than job cre- of the EU Commission, Istvan sary to resolve the financial crisis ation, given the manner in which Skekely. Begg accused the EU of in the euro zone. If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: [email protected] that sector was artificially expand- adopting failed neo-liberal strate- Echoing this view at a press con- ed through irresponsible tax gies to resolve the Irish debt cri- ference on Friday, the IMF repre- Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, incentives by previous administra- sis. He also expressed criticism to sentative on the Troika, Ajai Liberty Hall, Dublin 1 tions. the ECB representative, Klaus Chopra, said that he believed that SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, Patricia King • “The catering and cleaning sec- Masuch, over the banks recent there must be a “European solu- General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn tors are not expected to grow jobs increase in interest rates. tion for a European problem.” Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, in the short to medium term David Begg repeated the “The problems that Ireland faces Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] either given the depth of the Congress view that European are not just an Irish problem. SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • recession,” Patricia King added. banks were in part responsible for They’re a shared European prob- Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • During the meeting, which last- the reckless lending practices of lem. What we need and what’s Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett ed over an hour, there were sharp the Irish banks during the so- lacking so far is a European solu- Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour exchanges between David Begg called boom years and that a tion to a European problem,” Printed and distributed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. and the Hungarian representative Europe-wide solution was neces- Chopra added. Liberty 3 News JULY 2011 NEW DEAL FOR SIPTU CLEANERS

LAUNCHED SIPTU Vice President Patricia King joins ISS Managing Director Paul Lynch, ISS HR Director Jim Dolan and SIPTU Organiser Ethel Buckley in signing the Responsible Contractor Agreement

The SIPTU Fair Day for Cleaners cleaners can work with respect ple, including cleaners, represen- Services Ireland, said: “We have a Duffy/Walsh report. campaign has launched a new and for a decent wage, as well as tatives of contracting companies, lot in common with SIPTU in “I think the Duffy/Walsh report Responsible Contractor Agreement ensuring there is an even playing some major procurers of cleaning terms of their orientation of hav- approach makes sense. Obviously

which ensures both respect for field in which businesses can services, the Migrant Rights ing the right work environment it was done by two very learned workers and an even playing field compete in providing cleaning Centre and a number of other for people." guys who took input from all the for business. services.” NGOs. He added that his company sup- different parties. They have come SIPTU Organiser Ethel Buckley The announcement of the new Before the event, representa- ports the retaining of the Joint to conclusions that are aimed at said; “We intend to work with agreement was made at an event tives of ISS – one of the world’s Labour Committee/Employment taking away some of the anachro- employers to make the marking International Justice Day largest cleaning contractors – Regulation Order and Registered nisms and bringing the system Responsible Contractor Agreement for Cleaners in Liberty Hall on signed up to the Responsible Employment Agreement wage set-‘ into line with modern practice." the standard across the industry. 15th June. The meeting was Contractor Agreement. Paul Lynch, ting mechanisms and the reforms “The agreement ensures that attended by more than 100 peo- Managing Director at ISS Facility recommended in the independent

Where you have what we call sweated trades, you have no organisation, no parity of bargaining, the good employer is undercut by the worst... where those conditions prevail, you have not a condition of progress, but a condition of progressive degeneration. Winston Churchill, President of the Board of Trade, introducing the Trade Boards Act to the House ‘of Commons on April 28th, 1909. (This was the forerunner of the Joint Labour Committee system) British bulldog battered

by Cork Fried chicken! Winston Churchill By PADRAIG YEATES Poorly drafted, they amounted to the Labour Court, nor the Joint He concluded that the JLCs and When he does, he is expected “an unlawful or disproportionate Labour Committees (JLCs) set up Labour Court were acting ultra to expand on how the JLC system AS CHURCHILL predicted, the interference with the property under the 1946 Act were given vires, or well beyond the powers infringes Article 40.3.1 of the growing power of employers and rights” of employers under some clear guidelines – or “principles envisaged for such bodies under Constitution covering the person- the dismantling of protection for of the more reactionary provi- and policies” as Mr Justice Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution. al rights of citizens and Article employees has certainly seen sions of the Irish Constitution. Feeney described them – on how Setting a minimum wage and 43, covering property rights. “progressive degeneration” grow The verdict was not unexpect- they should apply the powers conditions of employment for Accordingly, passing the 2009 apace in Ireland in recent years. ed and the main reason employ- granted to them when it came to any sector of the economy was “a Bill into law will not be suffi- The victory of Cork business- ers never challenged the legisla- issuing Employment Regulation delegated power of a most funda- cient. It will require a new law man John Grace and his Fried tion before now was that the Orders (EROs). mental, permissive and far reach- altogether. Chicken business in Cork’s cumbersome mechanisms used to The Judge identified 17 tests ing kind”. No doubt John Grace, the appropriately-named Cook Street, set wages had been a fairly slow that the Act failed to meet under We saw this coming and insist- Quick Service Alliance and other certainly drove a nail into the leg- process that saved them millions the “principles and policies” cri- ed on legislation to address it in fast food employers will feel islation designed to prevent in the decades of economic teria. the T2016 Agreement. The Fianna their campaign has been vindicat- sweatshops emerging again in growth when pay constantly He said that some of the pow- Fáil led coalition drafted it in ed and well worth the time and our cities and towns. chased inflation. ers granted to the JLCs and 2009 but reneged on the agree- money involved; but there is Mr Justice Kevin Feeney deliv- Once the economy began to Labour Court exceeded those of ment and never passed it into something seriously wrong with ered the coup de grace on shrink employers changed their the Oireachtas itself. For law. an Irish Constitution that is well Thursday (7th July) in the High tune and moved quickly to instance, once an ERO was made, There is no possibility of a new to the right of England’s greatest Court when he declared sections ensure pay cuts. The crucial no employer could appeal it or Bill before 21st July when the Tory Prime Minister and 100 of the 1946 and 1990 Industrial defect in the legislation was that seek a review for at least six Dail rises, not least because Mr years behind his thinking on Relations Acts transposing the while the Constitution allows the months and failure to implement Justice Feeney will not be dealing industrial relations. British system of wage regulation Oireachtas to delegate some of its it could lead to criminal sanc- with the question of damages into Irish law unconstitutional. powers to other bodies, neither tions. until 27th July. 4 Liberty JULY 2011 News Intern scheme must focus on quality

By SCOTT MILLAR to the spirit of the scheme or they will be removed.” She added: “We N its first week of operation, don’t want interns to lose confi- around 28 jobs advertised on dence in the scheme because a Government website as part there are great benefits to be had of the State’s new internship from it and we want the word to Ischeme were removed for not go out that it will only be good meeting quality standards. quality work experiences which A number of employers offered will be considered.” kitchen porter, caretaker and driv- Coinciding with the launch of er positions as internships on the the JobBridge scheme on 1st July, JobBridge.ie site. These positions the Irish Congress of Trade Unions would have involved participants has launched a website to provide receiving their social welfare ben- participants with information on efit plus €50 for working up to 40 their workplace rights. Joan Bruton, Minister for Social Protection, flanked by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and HP Ireland chief Martin Murphy at scheme launch hours a week. This works out at a Congress Legal Affairs Officer payment rate of less than €2 an Esther Lynch said “zero tolerance” experience and intern pro- hour. must be shown for employers grammes has increased consider- A Department of Social who abuse the scheme by exploit- ably in recent years and, sadly, INTERNS Protection spokeswoman told ing participants. She added that some employers have sought to Liberty that “our emphasis is on both Government and employers’ take advantage of people’s desper- ensuring that the interns who groups had “a responsibility to ation to find work. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! All interns have rights in the workplace, take up JobBridge positions have a ensure that people taking up the “The internship scheme although these may differ according to the quality work experience. We are scheme were not used as a form announced by Government is wel- nature of the internship schemes. For more constantly monitoring to ensure of cheap labour or to displace come – but the only long-term that postings that go up on the solution to the crisis lies in job information see www.ictu.ie/internrights or existing jobs”. Esther Lynch: Scheme phone ICTU on 01 8897777 site offering internships are true “The number and range of work creation.” must not be form of cheap labour Ahern-linked company seeks privatisation of forestry assets

IFS Asset Managers – the company Managers claimed that “considera- pointed out that the ultimate aim in which former Taoiseach, Bertie tion should be given to moving all should be to put these businesses Ahern, is involved – is seeking to non-core assets out of Coillte." “into the private sector through have Coillte, the State forestry "The other business elements of asset sales.” company, broken up and ultimate- Coillte should be broken out into Bertie Ahern is chairman of the ly privatised. stand-alone businesses operating International Forestry Fund, a In its submission to the independently and allowed to joint venture of IFS and Helvetia Government’s review of state and develop aggressively on behalf of Wealth, a Swiss private bank. semi-state bodies, IFS Asset the State," it said. The submission Members at Lufthansa Fingal Council members accept LRC proposals in unanimous talks vote SIPTU members in the Lufthansa was in breach of the agreement “There is a lot of anger among Technik Airmotive Ireland (LTAI) and several LRC conciliation con- SIPTU members regarding the way plant in Rathcoole, Co Dublin, ferences, the company refused to the company chose to handle this SIPTU members at Fingal County Council have voted unanimously to have balloted to accept Labour pay the increase or engage mean- matter, especially given that the enter talks with management over the winding down of the direct Relations Commission (LRC) pro- ingfully with the Works Council waste collection service and their redeployment to other duties. local negotiations had resulted in posals made after an emergency on resolving the matter. Following the 14th July vote, SIPTU representatives began talks conciliation conference on 8th While welcoming the resolution a proposal that was very close to with the county council, facilitated by independent chairman Bob July. of the dispute, SIPTU Sector what emerged from the LRC. Clarke, on issues surrounding the re-deployment of 55 waste collec- SIPTU members along with their Organiser, Teresa Hannick, said: “SIPTU is hopeful that lessons tion workers. The talks will centre on loss of earnings, pension TEEU and UNITE colleagues in the “The announcement by LTAI man- will be learned from this experi- rights and career training. LTAI Works Council have been agement on the 5th July that if the ence by all concerned and that a SIPTU Organiser, Matt Henry, said substantive talks will begin on engaged in an overtime ban since ban on overtime was not immedi- better way of working and of deal- 20th July and that discussions have also taken place with SIPTU March because of the company’s ately resolved the closure of the ing with industrial relations mat- College on re-training for the workers involved. refusal to pay a 2.5% pay increase plant was possible came as a sur- “Many vacancies have opened up in recent times within the coun- ters will be developed between due under the last national wage prise to the LTAI Works Council as cil and the worker’s redeployment can be easily facilitated. However, agreement. it was engaged in active and LTAI management and the Works they will need re-training and concerns over loss of earnings will Despite a Labour Court recom- meaningful local negotiations Council for the future,” she have to be addressed,” Matt Henry added. mendation in July last year that it with the company at the time. added. Liberty 5 News JULY 2011

Workers at CG Power Systems on 3 day week SIPTU officials met with senior executives of CG Power Systems at the beginning of July follow- ing the company’s decision to place workers at its Cavan plant on a three-day week due to adverse trading conditions. SIPTU organiser Dennis Sheridan said: “Among the sen- ior executives who met with the union on 2nd July was CG Power Systems Global CEO, Laurent Demortier, who assured us that all efforts Hundreds protested outside the Dáil on Wednesday (13th July) Photo: Photocall Ireland would be made to return work- ers to a five-day week as soon as possible.” The majority of the 500- SNA cuts damage children’s education strong workforce, which About 700 people protested 47, on a motion by Independent four days in September. There between educationalists and the includes 425 SIPTU members, at outside Leinster House on TDs calling for a reversal of the has been a major reduction in Department of Education on the Cavan town plant have been Wednesday (13th July) against cut in the number of the coun- my income which makes it 11th July government officials placed on a three-day working cuts in the number of special try’s 10,800 SNA teachers. extremely difficult to live as a refused “to budge” from their week since 5th July. needs assistants (SNAs) in Among those leading the cam- lone parent with a mortgage,” cutback agenda. Management has stated that schools. The crowd included sev- paign for SIPTU is Fiona Murphy, Fiona said. “The full impact on children’s it expects all staff will resume a eral of the 800 SNAs who are an SNA teacher from county The cutbacks have seen the education of reduced SNA num- full working week in September. SIPTU members. Kildare. number of SNAs at Fiona’s bers will be felt when the new The company also stated that The demonstrators gathered “I have been cut back to 16 school from 21 to only 6.5 full school year begins in September. the short-time working arrange- before a Dáil vote, which the hours work which will be further time equivalents. We expect the campaign to inten- ments will be reviewed on a Government won by 103 votes to reduced to 12 hours a week over Fiona said that at a meeting sify then,” Fiona added. weekly basis. Derry community worker’s car targeted in ‘sickening’ attack

SIPTU has condemned as “sickening” an groups, or any individuals that are involved attack on a car owned by a well-known in this type of stuff, 'No, you're not going community activist in Derry. to isolate or intimidate people and you're The attack on SIPTU member Sean not going to bother them'." McMonagle’s vehicle occurred late on Condemning the attack SIPTU Organiser, Wednesday, 29th June. Martin O’Rourke, said; “Community The car was parked outside his home in activists like Sean work day and night to Rinmore Drive, Creggan. improve the lives of others around them. The following evening hundreds of locals “The huge numbers that turned out in protested against the attack and in solidari- ty with Sean McMonagle. support of him demonstrates the high He said: "It is not just about me, it is regard in which he is held and the level of about what I do, it's about what a large anger at this absolutely sickening attack. Bowler Geraghty number of people in this area, right across “The solidarity shown by local people is a Derry do. strong message to these anti-community “I think this is the community beginning elements to stop immediately with their & Co. Solicitors to stand up and saying to any of these pointless and criminal attacks.”

Five qualified solicitors covering all aspects of legal practice

Providing legal services to SIPTU and its members since 1971

SIPTU activist, Anton McCabe, is the first Labour Party Lord Mayor of BowlerBowler GeraghtyGeraghty & & Co. Co. Solicitors Solicitors Navan, county 22 Lower Lower OrmondOrmond Quay, Quay, Dublin Dublin 1 1 Meath, and the first member of the Tel:Tel: 01 01 8728233/8728581 8728233/8728581 party to chair the Town Council since )D[‡(PDLOEJ#ERZOHUJHUDJKW\LH)D[‡(PDLOEJ#ERZOHUJHUDJKW\LH 1977. 6 Liberty JULY 2011 News Councillors briefed over disability services deficit

HE Health Service a €3.6m deficit for local intellectu- services from another 200 people. their HSE counterparts. Limerick’s intellectual disability Implementation Body has al disability services covering SIPTU members highlighted A company pension scheme cur- services or the continuation of written to the Brothers of 2011, due to Health Service their concerns during a meeting rently has a €1m deficit and man- attacks on the living standards of Charity over a funding Executive underfunding combined with John Hennessy, HSE West’s agement is seeking to have it care staff. shortfallT for intellectual disability with a misallocation of resources Regional Director of Operations, taken over directly by the State. “Our members remain ready services in the HSE West area. by Brothers of Charity manage- as well as with councillors Ger Paul Hardy, SIPTU’s organiser for and willing to consider proposals This follows a visit by a worker ment. Fahy, Michael Hourigan and intellectual disability services in either from management for delegation from the Brothers of The Brothers of Charity claimed Jerome Scanlon. the West, said: “Our members reconfiguring services to save pub- Charity Services, Limerick, to the eliminating the deficit in a year A recent Labour Court recom- refuse to accept that the failure by lic money and to preserve both HSE West Regional Health Forum would require 50 residential serv- mendation also called on the both Brothers of Charity manage- services for the disabled and on 21st June. ice users to be discharged back Brothers of Charity – a publicly ment and the HSE to take respon- decent employment standards.” Limerick councillors were into the care of their families or funded body – to reverse a 2009 sibility for this situation should briefed during the meeting about the removal of day and respite decision to pay care staff less than result either in savage cuts to Get tough on thugs who attack front line workers

SIPTU has backed calls from the Garda Representative Association (GRA) for higher penalties for those found guilty of attacking front line service workers in the line of duty. “At a time when resources for the provi- sion of public services are scarce, it is criti- cal that the State and all of society sends an unambiguous message to those who are found guilty of attacking workers who pro- vide such essential services to the commu- nity,” said SIPTU Vice-President Patricia King. “I believe as part of this approach tougher sentencing for those who are found guilty of attacking workers who are committed to providing a top class public service to all of the community is important. “Attacks on these workers are in essence a direct attack on the community they seek to serve,” Patricia King added. SIPTU represents thousands of fire fight- ers, nurses and paramedics among other emergency personnel across the country, workers who provide critical emergency services to the public. Congress briefs Dutch unions on crisis A SENIOR delegation from the their headquarters in Paul Sweeney. According to ness is at the heart of the ifestation of a wider EU crisis Irish Congress of Trade Unions Amsterdam. David Begg, the meeting was part European financial system and and it requires resolution at that met their Dutch counterparts on The FNV represents some 1.4 of an on-going initiative that is that has to be addressed.” level. But three years on the only 21st June for talks on a co-ordi- million unionised workers across “designed to change the picture Congress has also met and official response has been to nated union response to the all sectors of Dutch society. of Ireland abroad and to stress briefed the leadership of ignore the problems in the finan- Irish and European debt crisis. The Congress delegation com- that the debt crisis is a European Germany’s main union federa- cial sector and impose severe The Congress delegation met prised SIPTU and then Congress issue that needs to be resolved at tion, the DGB and that of austerity programmes. key figures from the leadership president Jack O'Connor, ICTU an EU level. Finland’s leading labour federa- “That is entirely self-defeat- of the FNV – the Federation of General Secretary, David Begg, “It cannot be corralled or quar- tion, the SAK. ing,” David Begg added. the Dutch Labour Movement – at and Congress Economic Advisor, antined in one country. The sick- “The crisis in Ireland is a man- Liberty 7 News JULY 2011 Chasing Conrad Gallagher

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action Gallagher transferred the still failed to pay Rishi his out- that, now more than ever, we must outstanding monies into Rishi’s standing wages. The case was then ensure protections remain in place opportunities across the bank account on 4th July. brought to the attention of the for low-paid workers who need On 1st July Gallagher had SIPTU Communications them most. The Restaurant country in urban and rural issued a statement saying the mat- Department and Gallagher was Association of Ireland, which has ter of Rishi’s outstanding wages personally contacted on 9th June. led recent attacks on workers’ communities. was only drawn to his attention In a phone conversation with wages and conditions, should that day, adding; “We immediately the SITPU Communications spend more of its time trying to agreed to resolve the matter via his Department the celebrity chef stat- get restaurants to comply with union and have apologised for any ed he was unaware that Rishi had existing labour law rather than cut inconvenience, which was inadver- not received his wages and prom- the wages of the lowest.” tent and unintended.” ised to pay him immediately. This The Restaurant and Catering Unfortunately, Gallagher must was another commitment he did Workers Forum was established by have a seriously defective memory. not fulfil. SIPTU and the Migrant Rights It was in Autumn 2010 that Rishi Only finally under threat of a Centre Ireland (MRCI) to campaign first contacted an ICTU official to demonstration outside his restau- for workers’ rights in the catering complain that the cheque issued to rant did Gallagher pay up. industry. him had bounced. Following confirmation that 8 Liberty JULY 2011 News Journalists are collateral damage in Murdoch’s battle for survival

By Séamus Dooley O’Brien and his Communicorp nominees on the board of INM. HE closure of the News We have had reason to criticise of the World brings into both tax exiles. We have been sharp focus the issue of highly critical of the outsourcing mediaT ownership and control. programme favoured by O’Reilly While the closure is largely a throughout the international British story – albeit with an inter- group and at the high level of national dimension, 30 Irish jour- executive remuneration at INM. nalists, staff and freelance, are The anti-union stance taken by among those sacrificed at the altar O’Brien in his various media of commercial and political expe- outlets sharply conflicts with his diency, collateral damage in avowed commitment to human Murdoch’s unsuccessful battle to rights abroad – contrast his save his lucrative BSkyB takeover Locking horns at INM: Tony O’Reilly and below Denis O’Brien support for Amnesty International bid. and Front Line, Human Rights The story is much bigger than Defenders with his refusal to the loss of jobs or the vitally recognise trade union rights at important ethical issues. home. It provides us with a salutary Successive warning against vesting media governments control in the hands of a powerful have failed to elite and grants us a glimpse of tackle the issue the power and influence enjoyed of media own- by Murdoch. ership and con- We in the NUJ found his access trol in Ireland. to Blair, in particular, nauseating. The relatively As we mark the 25th anniversary harmless review of the Wapping dispute, it is of media merg- worth recalling that Thatcher’s Media magnate Rupert Murdoch moved ers commis- attack on the unions was rooted swiftly to close the News of the World, right sioned in 2008 in Murdoch’s ideological war on umn in the News of the World. former Taoiseach no harm either. plc may appear far by the then the print unions. Murdoch’s inside track can have Irish politicians are generally removed from the Minister for The issue of access is not just a done Sky no harm in securing terrified of upsetting media own- daily grind of Enterprise gath- British issue. Murdoch’s anti- exclusive rights for the Ryder Cup ers, which explains why the NUJ employees at the multina- ers dust on a union philosophy proved no barri- in Ireland in 2006, when RTÉ was calls for a Commission on media tional company. departmental shelf as O’Brien’s er to the workers’ friend Bertie The NUJ has avoided taking influence grows in Murdoch-like left behind in the rights race. ownership and control have con- Ahern, who assiduously courted sides in the gladiatorial contest fashion. News International and notorious- And editorial support for Ahern sistently fallen on deaf ears. between Tony O’Reilly, and more Séamus Dooley is the ly ended up writing a sports col- by the populist News of the World The current boardroom battles recently his son Gavin, and Denis NUJ’s Irish Secretary. and other Murdoch titles did the at Independent News and Media Diverse media “good for democracy”

The Government is considering new The issue had been addressed previ- this area.” legalisation in the area of media owner- ously in the Dáil on 21st June. Then, On the issue of cross ownership of ship with Minister for Communications, Rabbitte said the government intended to media outlets, Rabbitte said; “I believe Pat Rabbitte, stating that reform was look at what legalisation may be neces- undue concentration of ownership in the essential for the good of democracy. sary concerning media ownership in light Irish media is unhealthy for our democra- Addressing the issue in a radio inter- of a report issued by an advisory group cy. This area of the media is different to view in the wake of the News of the established, in 2008, to review the cur- other areas of enterprise endeavour in World controversy Rabbitte said there rent framework regarding the public the sense that it conditions the quality of was a need for Ireland to learn from the interest aspects of media mergers in our public discourse and democracy. “cataclysmic” effects of the UK hacking Ireland. He added if “a convergence of tech- scandal. He said that on the basis of this report nologies” was to lead to undue concentra- He said there was no evidence that the he felt it was “desirable” that there was tion of ownership or of cross director- same thing had happened in Ireland but an increased role for Department of ships it “would be unhealthy for the accepted that stating that similar inci- Communications and the Broadcasting democratic health of our society. A dents had not occurred here would be Authority of Ireland in the media mergers diverse media was necessary so that “no “naïve.” area. Rabbitte added that the advisory particular acceptable view in society is Rabbitte added that the “need for stan- group had recommended that the public excluded.” dards in the media is important because interest test in relation to media mergers the media affects the quality of our should reside with the Minister for Jobs, democracy and the standard of public Enterprise and Innovation who was cur- debate.” rently preparing “legislative proposals in Liberty 9 News JULY 2011

Managerial stubbornness and outsourcing threaten reform By Patricia King service employees. We are, however, encountering AS we now enter the second year a number of key obstacles to of the Croke Park Agreement’s progress along this path. four-year term, we must recog- Senior and middle manage- nise that we have still to address ment are very slow to put the reform agenda’s most forward restructuring proposals challenging aspects. which will impact on them per- Furthermore, we have had sonally. a clear warning from the There is no history or culture Government that its expectations within these grade levels to of the degree of transformation encourage them to manage and reform required may exceed change in such a way as to those of many in the public include themselves in the service. solution. The continued moratorium on There has also been a strong Student nurses march to the Department of Health headquarters in Dublin in 2010 Picture: Photocall Ireland recruitment to the public service tradition or culture among man- is proving to be one of the great- agers which maintains the myth est challenges to the continuing that “the number of staff you mode”. comprehensive review of out- drive the outsourcing agenda delivery of quality front line have measures how powerful you They must end their long held sourced services found, among even though it does not generate services. are”, or that, “the bigger the policy of self-protection. other things, that the quality of savings in the long run. In the health service, the strict department, the more status you The other major challenge service to customers declined. This is a crisis management application of this crude mecha- have”. facing those in the public serv- The study found that the approach devoid of any strategic nism to impede recruitment to Any suggestion that you down- ice – not least our members – is decline in services included poor thinking and certain to result in a the public service will have to be grade your own position in pro- the proposal for the widespread cleaning standards resulting in poorer quality public service reviewed in terms of its current moting the redeployment model outsourcing of services. infection levels increasing and which none of us, employees, raw form if further damage to would be heresy according to this There is growing and that training levels were not high management or, more important- vital services is to be avoided. out-dated tradition. irrefutable evidence that the and staff morale was low. ly, the users want to see. The redeployment provisions This attitude will not deliver a wholesale outsourcing of public I believe that most senior within the agreement are essen- reformed public service. The services does not work, nor does management of the HSE would Patricia King is Vice-President tial to allow us to progress to an most senior people in manage- it save money. Recent research concede that these findings res- of SIPTU. This is an edited integrated public service model ment are going to have to shift and practical experience in the onate in this country in relation version of an address delivered while simultaneously protecting their current thinking and move UK shows that outsourcing to outsourcing. They would also to the SIPTU Health Division the employment of all public into the “change implementation programmes do not save money. invariably add that current budg- conference in Croke Park on 30th A 2005 British health service etary pressures will prevail and June. 10 Liberty JULY 2011 News Croke Park savings have hit skills set SIPTU has warned that savings by of more than €223 million have Maurice Hearne, said: “Many qualification is worrying. ability by local authorities to local authorities of more than been made across the local members are genuinely con- “Ironically, this development is meet their statutory require- €223 million under the terms of authority sector and that more cerned about the continuing loss likely to impede future efficien- ments. the Croke Park Agreement have than a third of the savings have of professional expertise in the cies as the skills to design, plan, “It is imperative that City and come at the cost of declining pro- been secured by not replacing sector which is making it much and implement technically com- County Managers are supported fessional expertise in the sector. 6,621 posts up to March 2011. more difficult for those remain- plex work are diminished and not by the Government to protect In a report to the Public Service A substantial number of these ing to maintain services. replaced.” their professional technical skills Agreement’s National posts are for Professional Officer “In particular, the loss of pro- He added: “The use of man- base.” Implementation Body, the grades including engineers, plan- fessional staff at senior manage- agers with no professional techni- Department of Environment, ners and parks superintendents. ment level and their replacement cal training will lead to expensive Heritage and Local Government SIPTU Local Authority in some cases with re-assigned errors, less effective management has confirmed that total savings Professional Officers Organiser, managers with no professional of contractors, and diminished DOMESTICS WIN LANDMARK VOTE ILO process has been its ability to connect millions of domestic CONVENTION on workers worldwide. Decent Work for It has also been mobilising them Domestic Workers has into taking action to make their been adopted at the plight more visible and underline InternationalA Labour Organisation their important place in the world in Geneva. of work. SIPTU and Migrant Rights Aoife Smith, DWAG co-ordina- Centre Ireland joined with trade tor, said: “While the adoption of unions from across the world in the convention is positive news welcoming the long-awaited con- for domestic workers, it will not vention, which sets international improve their conditions standards to protect the rights of overnight. domestic workers. “The international standards The decision by government, have been set but we will need to worker and employer delegates to continue to lobby the Government adopt the convention at the ILO’s to ensure that national legislation 100th annual conference marked a reflects the provisions stipulated historic moment in the 63-year in the convention.” struggle to secure the rights of SIPTU Divisional Organiser, this highly-vulnerable group of John King, called on the workers. Government to prioritise bringing ILO chief Juan Somavia joins a group of domestic workers following the landmark vote at the Geneva conference on 16th June Internationally, domestic work the domestic workers’ convention is under regulated, underpaid and some of the highest incidences of said: “Finally, we have official we long deserved and goes a long into Irish law in order to extend undervalued. Many workers live forced labour and the most shock- recognition by the international way towards ending the abuse and to these workers full rights and in isolation and suffer daily abuse ing examples of child labour. community of domestic workers exploitation so prevalent in this conditions of employment no less and harassment from their Mariam Bhatti, of the MRCI’s as workers, just like any others. It sector.” favourable than other workers in employers. The sector also has Domestic Workers Action Group, gives us the dignity and respect A significant achievement of the this country. Congress and MRCI launch Women will suffer most initiative on forced labour A JOINT framework for tackling the prob- framework document defines forced from Tory-Lib Dem cuts lem of forced labour in Ireland has been labour as “an extreme form of exploita- published by the Irish Congress of Trade tion” which is a growing problem in AN ANALYSIS of the effect of Tory-Lib Dem result of spending cuts. Changes to benefit Unions and the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland and internationally. government cuts has found that women entitlements and a pay freeze in the public Ireland (ICTU/MRCI). It also warns that the economic reces- will suffer twice as much as men from sector will do twice as much harm to The paper was presented at a seminar sion is “creating the conditions for the reduced social welfare benefits and changes women as to men, the report claims. in the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on 23rd growth of forced labour and exacerbates to the tax and benefit system. “Lone parents, disabled women, carers June. At the event, trade unionists, the problem of identification of victims.” The report, entitled Unravelling Equality? and BME (black and ethnic majority) migrant workers and NGO representatives The ICTU/MRCI framework calls for an A Human Rights and Equality Impact women are likely to be particularly badly discussed the framework document and integrated approach to the problem of Assessment of the Public Spending Cuts on hit by the changes,” the authors add. future actions to tackle forced labour. forced labour that would contain the fol- Women in Coventry, was put together by In England, two-thirds of all jobs in the Opening the seminar Labour TD, Alex lowing elements: researchers at the University of Warwick. public sector are held by women while 40% White, gave his personal support for the • Criminalisation of forced labour, They found that women suffer more of all jobs held by women are in the public initiative. The meeting also heard from • Protections for victims of forced from cuts in public services and are more service – compared with little more than migrant workers directly affected by labour, and likely to lose their jobs than men as the 10% for men. exploitation. South African domestic •Mandating key responsibility to state worker, Mariam Bhatti, outlined her expe- agencies to tackle forced labour. rience of employers restricting her move- Beate Andrees, a senior policy officer ment and failing to pay her for work. with the International Labour Mahomad Younis, a Tandoori chef, Organisation’s Special Action Programme described the abuse he endured working to Combat Forced Labour, told the semi- SIPTU MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION & SUPPORT CENTRE (MISC) in a Dublin restaurant which even includ- nar that having a sufficient number of ed threats of violence made against mem- well-resourced labour inspectors was bers of his family in Pakistan. essential in tackling worker exploitation. Both workers indicated the particular The full ICTU/MRCI framework docu- difficulties they faced in confronting their ment is available at www.mrci.ie. exploitation due to the restrictions of the work permit system. The ICTU/MRCI 8.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m., Monday - Friday Liberty 11 News JULY 2011 ROSS ON THE MONEY OVER the years Shane Ross has used his column in the Sunday Independent to promote his favourite bankers, among them the now-disgraced Sean FitzPatrick, of Anglo-Irish Bank, and Michael Fingleton of Irish Nationwide Building Society. These banks are now being bailed out to the tune of more than €35 billion (Anglo) and €5 billion (INBS). Here is what Ross wrote soon after former Bank of Ireland chief executive Michael Soden, was caught accessing a pornography website in March 2004.

There was plenty on he manages to sell out they will the way down at the Irish extract a return from him which Nationwide. The building we BoI shareholders will never society is on the verge of even contemplate. sale. The figures were Fingers has a problem of style. sparkling. Members with A spin doctor's nightmare, he has

adequate savings or mortgages are few of the social graces associated in for a €7,000-plus bonanza. with the gentility of the BoI ascen- Michael F's cost-to-income ratio dancy tradition. He mixes with at 21.4 per cent must be the envy rough diamonds like Ben Dunne, of Michael S. Fingleton's return on Noel Smyth, Dermot Desmond,

total average assets at 2.03 per Michael Smurfit, Sean Mulryan cent was far superior to Soden's at and PJ Mara. The sort of people 1.22 per cent. He even leaves who make a few bob, entrepre- ‘superstar Sean FitzPatrick's Anglo neurs who can cut a deal. They Irish standing, with only 1.54 per talk business, not bull. cent. So what would a poor punter ‘ All Fingleton's figures are spec- with twenty grand do? Give it to tacular. Pre-tax profits are up 20 Michael F or Michael S? per cent. Gross lending rose by 72 I have already made a muggins per cent. of myself. I bought Bank of Both Michaels' bodies are bene- Ireland stock a few months ago at fiting from the mortgage and just above these levels. It seemed property boom. But when it is then that some predator would over, where will they be? see value, pounce, cull the semi- We know where Fingleton State ethos, and sweat the BoI wants to be. His ambition: to sell assets once the present incompe- out to a big bank. He is priming tents had walked away with their Shane Ross and shareholders at a bank AGM the pump for a buyer, probably a golden handshakes. Anyone who has a spare twenty grand be changed, the society sold and the cash foreigner...... It may well still happen. But I might still have time to "carpet bag". It paid out within the required two-year Fingleton is about to return the could have done better. I should needs legislation to allow Fingers to sell. period.” Irish Nationwide to the punters. If have bought into the Nationwide. It is anyone's guess whether the law will Untangling web of employment rights

By Tom O’Driscoll the various employment rights Richard Bruton agencies. Significantly, the forum is proposing THE overly legalistic, complicated the streamlining with the highest satisfaction rat- and drawn out procedures for of employment ing was the Labour Court. rights procedures. vindicating individual employ- Right: The Labour Minister Bruton sees the ment rights in the Republic are Court in Dublin Labour Court continuing to play a due for reform, according to the Pictures: Photocall substantial and central role in a Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and new appeals structure with the Innovation, Richard Bruton. probability of “different cham- Minister Bruton told a recent bers” streamlining issues into high-level conference on the collective rights, individual rights Resolution of Individual and equality legislation. Employment Rights at UCD that There are a great deal of he envisaged palpable changes by administrative changes to be the end of this year. made in conjunction with the Bruton reminded delegates at amendment of 150 statutory the conference of the bewildering instruments and the numerous array of options when seeking to statutes. initiate a claim – 30 different stop shop, which would ing” will be introduced where by a survey analysis of practition- The usual caveat of eternal pieces of employment law and take over the first instance func- cases would be fast-tracked to ers’ views on employment rights’ vigilance would be advised dur- many more statutory instru- tions performed by the Labour conclusion using written submis- dispute resolution presented by ing this process in order to avoid ments, five redress/enforcement Relations Commission, Rights sions and telephone communica- Brian Barry, PhD candidate, of throwing out the baby with the bodies, six websites, 35 different Commissioners, National tion, with mediation used if nec- Trinity College, Dublin at the bath water. forms, a range of different time Employment Rights Authority, essary. same conference. limits – within which to pursue a the Equality Tribunal and the The Equality Tribunal has suc- Practitioners surveyed included Tom O’Driscoll claim –and a waiting time of up Employment Appeals Tribunal cessfully introduced this opera- trade union officials, barristers, is a lawyer with the to 80 weeks. with one universal online or tional format in recent years. solicitors and employer represen- SIPTU Legal Rights Unit The most fundamental change paper form being used. There is no doubt that the sys- tatives. proposed by the minister would It is envisaged that the concept tem as presently operated is A total of 57% reported a be a single point of entry, or one- of a filtering, “preliminary hear- unsatisfactory. This is borne out decline in the effectiveness of 12 Liberty JULY 2011 ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference

trative tools, the mass media and our deliberations here this week academia have been mobilised to because it is equally significant facilitate restoring bank balance for working people in both juris- sheets and “saving” the financial dictions. Address by Jack O’Connor, system. It mirrors the agenda that is playing out in Wisconsin The Tory/Lib Dem government in out-going president of Congress and other states in the US and, the UK shares the outlook of their more brutally, in Colombia and contemporaries who are running indeed in Palestine, (which I things in Europe. Margaret to the ICTU Biennial Delegate has believe is victim to the greatest Thatcher, then leader of the Tory not done single injustice in the modern Party once declared “there is no Conference, 5th July 2011, so because the dev- world). such thing as society” and then astating consequences of went on to spend the best part of unbridled Neo –Liberalism and its Yet we are not in the mess that two decades trying her best to Our Gleneagle Hotel, Killarneyassociated “Shock Therapy” are we are in because of the absence make it so. Her successors are conference still fresh in the collective memo- of a “competitiveness” pact – we now back to finish the job, skil- is taking place dur- ry of the people of these coun- are in it because of the absence of fully camouflaging the project ing a defining moment in tries. But what is more notewor- proper financial regulation. under the guise of the ironically human history. Despite its dra- thy still is that most of the coun- However, consistent with the deceptive “Big Society”. matic collapse in 2008, Liberalism tries in the region, with the interests of those at the top of appears to have reasserted itself They are committed to cutting exception of Colombia, are each the banking system – that issue with a swing to the political right spending by £80 billion over 4 in their own way pursuing better has not been addressed at all. across the western world. years. This translates into £4 bil- fairer ways and more importantly, All this is alienating working peo- lion in Northern Ireland. It proving that they can work. ple across the continent. The would entail the loss of 25,000 Things are otherwise in Europe, wrong people are running the public sector jobs and a further for the moment at least. Overall, institutions and they are pursuing 15,000 in the private sector or one the economy is on a growth a route that will result in the col- in eight jobs in the North. trajectory. However, this is lapse of the entire European proj- Here in this jurisdiction the last ‘The question overshadowed by the ect. Increasingly, it appears to be government embarked on the threatened default of only a free market business club, largest austerity programme ever one or all of the in which all the key decisions are attempted in a as to whether stressed countries as taken by developed coun- well as Italy, which unelected try over a similar carry a combined lia- bankers and the time frame. It the future will bility of 3,350 bil- social dimen- € resulted, as David lion, which would sion is only a Begg predicted it sink the global decorative coat- inevitably would, be more brutal financial system ing to sugar the in failure! beyond trace. poison pill. If that is actually Throughout we or benign A Marshall Aid-type the case, the challenged the strategy is required to logic of history strategy insisting rescue Europe both deems it should that it could not remains to be economically and politi- collapse and work and that it cally. However those in collapse it will! risked condemn- charge have opted for the ing the coun- decided.’ shock therapy of a repara- It is unlikely try to a tions course instead, ignoring the future pro- the lessons of history. of the world They are applying a supply side will How remedy to a demand side crisis be Jack O’Connor speaking at the ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference. could an economic model, driven aggravating the problem rather by the imperatives of unbridled than alleviating it. They have greed, the collapse of which reduced the once great institu- ‘Yet we are not in the mess wrought such havoc on the lives tions of the European project to of so many, win increased support mere debt collection agencies for that we are in because of in democratic societies? The the major banks, obstructing the absence of a answer, of course, is simple – it recovery and inflicting misery on coincides exactly with the inter- the citizens of Europe. “competitiveness” pact – ests of the wealthiest people in the world. The message has long They are exploiting the opportu- since putrefied but the piper still nity presented by the crisis to we are in it because calls the tune. restructure the social landscape, of the absence dismantling the last vestiges of But things are not as they seem. the welfare state. Meanwhile, of proper financial The lava thrown up by the vol- they are setting about imposing regulation.’ canic eruption of 2008 is still cas- an internal deflationary dynamic cading across the landscape, through the Merkel-Sarkozy decid- reshaping the environment in inspired Euro-Plus ed in a longed which we live but in a way that is Competitiveness pact, effectively place as deflation- not yet possible to predict. The institutionalising austerity. This small or periph- ary spiral. We system is still teetering on its entails a direct full-frontal assault eral as Ireland. articulated an pedestal and history is far from on collective bargaining, pay and However, due to the gross mis- alternative course produc- over. The question as to whether pensions. The undeclared objec- management of the economy of ing a 10 point plan prioritising the future will be more brutal or tive is to rid European capital of the Republic by the last govern- jobs, investment and growth. We benign remains to be decided. the obligations of the Post-War ment, even by the standards of envisaged it being delivered through a solidarity pact which It is noteworthy that the global settlement. Regressive policies their own capitalist creed, for would serve as the catalyst for the swing to the right has not mani- prevail everywhere as the entire more than a decade, we find our- supreme national effort which fested itself in Latin America. It apparatus of population manage- selves centre stage in the unfold- Loraine Mulligan, SIPTU ment, governments, civil adminis- ing drama. This is the context for emergence from the mess addresses Congress Liberty 13 ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference JULY 2011

demands. Our efforts were dis- days – incidentally aggra- tedly restrictive, Troika ary effect of the €3.6bn cut missed, even ridiculed, as the vating the process of over- agreement. To adopt scheduled for budget 2012 and outlook which caused the crisis heating the economy. If that position leaves the create upwards of 80,000 jobs, in the first instance prevailed and job creation was really the field for the architects of providing an enormous boost to the Government of the day opted objective, the issue of the political right to confidence. for the course which ultimately upward only rent reviews redesign the future. led to the loss of national eco- would have been dealt At the same time the thorny nomic sovereignty. The proof of with long ago, (even if it Ultimately, the real issue issue of the failure of those with the pudding is in the eating, as required a constitutional is how to achieve a real wealth to contribute in pro- they say. amendment); the practice resumption of job gen- portion to their capacity to do so of raising prices to coincide SIPTU Delegation at the ICTU BDC erating growth. Even must be grasped. We can no Along with the workers of Greece with major public events play within the shackles of the longer afford the luxury of subsi- and Portugal we now find our- would have been prohibited with the global companies, Troika Agreement there are steps dising the rich and being one of selves in the straightjacket of the and those who fail to pass on the including those in the financial that can and should be taken to the most unequal countries in ECB/EU/IMF diktat. It is a place generous reduction in VAT rates services sector, upon which so construct the all island economy the world. which is bad for everyone on the to consumers would have been many of our people depend for that would secure the future of island of Ireland and bad for the told in no uncertain terms that their livelihoods. We can be pret- all the people. This entails peoples of Europe as well. It is a the original rates will be reinstat- ty certain it would mean bal- simultaneously addressing the recipe for more of the same failed ed unless they do so. anced budgets overnight – which bloated savings ratio, the invest- remedy – a growth obstructing would be devastating for working ment deficit and the inequitable It is essential that we radically cul-de-sac. It reflects the inter- No, this is about withdrawing the people and all who depend on distribution of the burden of and rapidly transform our ests of the major European threshold of decency to facilitate public services. adjustment. movement. We must: banks, the shareholders to the devaluation through internal detriment of the stakeholders, deflation. It is about more of the The savings ratio in this Republic I respect the view of those on the · Outline a clear vision for a the citizens of Ireland and of same – working people carrying has increased from 2.7% to left who hope a better, fairer par- successful equality driven Europe. the can while others can carry on adigm would result from the almost 12% while domestic all-island economy under- as they please. ensuing chaos. Indeed, I dearly demand has collapsed. This is pinned by a comprehensive Of course, the genesis of our wish it would be so, but history, partially driven by people’s fears Bill of Rights which affords problems is not sourced in There is especially the history of Europe, of the loss of their homes, their Europe. We have to look closer speaks otherwise. pensions and their jobs. The working people full parity of to home for that. Indeed we have Minister for Finance’s call to esteem to come to terms with weak- The problem does not spend will ring hollow as long as nesses that are more pro- lend itself to resolu- people are paralysed by fear. · Resource the expertise, found than inadequate reg- Ultimately, the real issue tion in a narrow technical and academic skills ulation or greedy bankers is how to achieve a national con- Labour secured a two year mora- to defend the proposition or incompetent politi- text. It can torium in home repossessions in against all comers and create cians. We have to resumption of job generat- only be the programme for government. the communications capacity It is good enough as far as it goes. address the core value solved with- to challenge the hegemony But, people must receive a firm system that under- ing growth. Even within in a of the other side in the and absolute guarantee that their pinned the evolution the shackles of the Troika European dissemination of ideas of the catastrophe framework homes will never be repossessed as long as they are making a gen- which incentivised Agreement there are steps which · Create a new organising speculation while uine effort to service their mort- would culture shifting resources to starving innovation. that can and should be gages. This is eminently possible involve bur- challenge those who deny den sharing in a state owned banking system taken to construct the all workers their collective It long preceded the and some and the markets have already bargaining rights and who Celtic Tiger and is island economy that kind of limit- priced for it. Congress has pro- are setting the pace in the embedded in a system would secure the future of ed transfer posed a comprehensive set of that has prevailed in union and a measures to address concerns race to the bottom in Ireland since the wealthy all the people. restructured about the solvency of pension employment standards landed, business and pro- democratically schemes over the past decade and fessional elites subverted the accountable ECB. these must be acted upon to · Fight for investment, march to democracy on both The European Trade remove doubt and instil confi- education, training and parts of this island after the First Union Movement could dence. The current policy of the productivity to ensure the World War. They created parallel no play a critically important role Pensions Board is having the success of businesses that economic and social models that moral jus- in helping to bring this about. If opposite effect. recognise their employees’ promoted their narrow sectional tification for the proposition that we and our allies in the social right to organise because Parallel with this the investment interests but failed the people of we should have to pay the reck- democratic parties and the left this is critical to winning the deficit must be addressed. Gross both jurisdictions. This has lessly accumulated debts of those generally fail to do so we will battle for a decent workplace fixed capital investment in the resulted in the Republic becom- at the top of the banking system. sink with the wreckage of the sta- economy has fallen from more environment ing one of the most unequal soci- More pertinently there is no pos- tus quo. The mantle will then than €46 billion in 2007 to less eties in the developed world. sibility of 1.8m people repaying pass to xenophobic nationalism than €19 billion this year. There · Come up with solutions in €200 billion within any reason- and the stage will be set for the It is now in the throes of a seri- is still €4 to €5 billion in the the public service that put able timeframe. re-enactment of the conditions ous economic crisis for the third National Pension Reserve Fund. It the public first in order to which followed the last systemic time in 60 years with all its con- must be utilised to drive a job keep public services public We have to extricate ourselves collapse in Europe. tingent unemployment, emigra- from the straightjacket of the generating investment pro- tion and misery. One would “Troika” agreement which is suf- Meanwhile at home, I believe, it gramme. There is €78bn in pen- · Fashion a restructured, imagine even its proponents focating any prospect of growth is tactically and strategically sion fund assets. I am calling on well co-ordinated, effective would accept that the time had in domestic demand and without wrong to argue that we do not the Minister for Finance to movement to drive a come to discard the old model which there will be no apprecia- have options within the, admit- engage with fund trustees to try progressive workers agenda and the repugnant value system ble recovery. The question is how to develop a scheme to secure 5% in every sector of economic which underpins it. But no, the to trigger re-negotiation? of their assets, activity on this island outlook which caused the crisis Opinion is divided as to the i.e. €4bn for still informs all attempts at reso- potential consequences of threat- investment in · Strengthen our participation lution. ening default and we have not, infrastructure in the European trade union thus far, supported the call. We and venture capi- movement and ground our For example: The planned dis- may well come to do so and we tal in the domes- mantlement of the mechanisms activity in support of workers are conscious that resources are tic economy on which protect the pay of the low- in countries such as Palestine being run down as time passes. the basis of est paid 20% of the workforce did and Colombia in the context However, we cannot anticipate exemptions from not originate with the recession. of solidarity around the the response of the ECB which the recently intro- It is driven by the same senti- parallel issues that confront could withdraw support from duced levy. This ment that drove the race to the working people at home. our covered banks. Neither can would more than bottom during the frothy bubble we assume the way it would Jack O’Connor greets incoming Congress president, offset the deflation- Eugene McGlone 14 Liberty JULY 2011 News

Congress BDC backs new way forward

Philip Bowyer presenting the Commission report to Congress Picture: Kevin Cooper By Liam Berney unions combining and sharing July, the Commission’s Joint Chair, detailed examination of the rules its recommendations and a fur- resources in a targeted way and Philip Bowyer, of UNI Global of Congress which will include an ther Congress conference will be CONGRESS’ Biennial Delegate forging a common approach to Unions, urged delegates and examination of its objectives in held in mid-2012 when the final Conference has approved the first issues facing workers in each sec- unions to grasp the opportunities light of the changed economic and report will be presented. report of a Commission set up to tor. presented by the document. He collective bargaining environment. Congress officer Liam Berney examine the structure and func- Among its other recommenda- told delegates: “For unions to stay The Commission has recom- served as secretary to the tioning of the trade union move- tions, the Commission has sug- strong we have to get stronger. mended that the work of Congress Commission ment in Ireland. gested that further work be done Standing still is not an option. should be prioritised around these The Commission’s report and to develop a strategic communica- “Even in the highly organised restated objectives and that it its recommendations are based on tions strategy and that Congress public sector, weakness in the pri- should be appropriately resourced an extensive consultation process should convene a strategic organ- vate sector is a threat. Make no to undertake this task.In his clos- with most of the unions affiliated ising group to develop tools that mistake. Look at the United States ing remarks, Philip Bowyer told to ICTU as well as civil society would enable the movement to where over the years the level of delegates: “I am convinced we organisations and political parties increase its density and bargaining trade union organisation has been have a chance to build a better in both jurisdictions. strength. halved to about 14% and much trade union movement in Ireland. The report’s main theme is to While the Commission report lower in the private sector. “It is a pity that we sometimes develop ways in which trade does not recommend specific “That’s why now in states like have to wait until we are being unions can act more collectively union mergers, it does point to Wisconsin, there is a concerted attacked from all sides before we and with a unified message. the consensus that exists within attack on the public sector unions. fight back – but fight back we In seeking such an approach, the movement that the existence Their rights are simply being must. The pace of change in the the Commission has recommend- of 49 unions is a barrier to more stripped away in the latest effort trade union movement has been ed that unions in industrial sec- effective functioning and points to to destroy unions.” characterised as something akin to tors should be brought together by a number of areas where the The detailed work of imple- a marathon, but I really hope that Congress to develop a strategic potential for possible synergies menting the Commission’s report in the next six months some of us approach to organising and bar- exists. will now be undertaken by can get up to sprint speed.” gaining. Introducing the report at the Congress. The Commission will continue It is envisaged this will see conference in Killarney on 5th As part of this there will be a to review the implementation of

Motion expressing solidarity with Call for Colombian trade unionists passed Mortgage A MOTION condemning the tar- It continued: “Over 2,500 trade Congress and five trade councils geting of Colombian trade union- unionists have been killed in had affiliated to the JFC. Reduction ists was carried at the Congress Colombia in the last 15 years The group has a record of cam- Congress passed a motion put Biennial Delegate Conference in whilst trying to defend the right paigning to free imprisoned forward by the Irish Nurses and Killarney earlier this month. to collective bargaining and free- trade unionists in Colombia and Midwives Organisation which Moved by the Kildare Council dom of speech. has lobbied hard against the pro- demanded; that all mortgages on of Trade Unions with an agreed “The International Trade posed Free Trade Agreement principle private residences are amendment from the TEEU, the Union Confederation states that between the EU and the coun- revised downwards to the cur- motion stated: “Colombia is the the conviction rate for the mur- try’s regime. rent market value of the home; most dangerous country in the ders of trade union members in The movers of the motion that a Charter of Fundamental world to be a trade unionist. Colombia is 1%. It is said in called all ICTU affiliates to join Rights for all Citizens be intro- “Research carried out by Colombia that: ‘To be a trade the Irish branch of the JFC and duced in the lifetime of the pres- Amnesty International indicates unionist is to walk with a grave- asked them to back ICTU’s cam- ent Government which guaran- co-ordinated strategies exist stone on your back’.” paign against the EU/Colombian tees the minimum rights to full strategy to seriously pursue between the Colombian state The motion went on to state FTA. healthcare from cradle to grave, these legitimate demands will be military and paramilitary death this was why the Irish branch of The motion also called on pre, first, second and third level the preparation for, and if neces- squads to make the work of campaign group Justice For Congress to strengthen links education and the right to sary, the implementation of a trade unionists impossible Colombia was set up in with the Colombian Trade Union accommodation; and that the mortgage repayment strike.” through assassination and intimi- December 2008. Congress, CUT. dation.” To date, 12 unions linked with Liberty 15 Health JULY 2011

MIND YOUR HEALTH By ILLONA DUFFY Hay fever HAY fever is also known as seasonal allergic rhinni- tis. It is caused by an allergy to pollen and therefore Rostrevor House in Rathgar, Co Dublin, closed down following a HIQA probe into allegations of serious elder abuse at the facility Pictures: Photocall is most common in the spring and summer. You can be allergic to different pollens – tree, grass and flower – and this is the reason that people can find their symptoms worse during particular months. Some unlucky people have chronic allergic Pursuit of profit lowers rhinnitis, with symptoms throughout the year, usu- ally due an allergy to dust and animals. Hay fever symptoms include a runny nose (rhinni- tis), sneezing and itchy eyes and nose. People will complain of difficulty sleeping and snoring due to a nursing home standards blocked nose and those with asthma may find they have flare-ups of it also. People also complain of By SCOTT MILLAR Similar problems are happening in their symptoms being worse in the morning and of the UK but due to the much greater feeling un-refreshed after sleep. During bad attacks, ECENT weeks have seen the reliance on private nursing home provi- people’s eyes may swell and become red. high-profile closure of two pri- sion in Ireland, with an estimated 80% Hay fever is common affecting more than 20% of vate nursing homes following of facilities operating outside the pub- the population. It is felt that more people are devel- investigations into allegations lic system, the problems are more acute oping both hay fever and chronic allergic rhinnitis. R that they were providing a here. In general, there is no need to have allergy testing to sub-standard level of care to their elder- Louise O’Reilly believes the only determine what pollen is affecting you. ly residents. long-term solution is an increase in Typically tree pollens cause problems in the In late June, Rostrevor House, public provision and implementing an Spring with grass, weeds and flowers causing prob- Rathgar, County Dublin, was closed per- adequate primary care strategy by the lems in the Summer and early Autumn. manently following an investigation by people since July 2009, it is only now HSE. Unfortunately, because grass and trees surround us, it is the Health Information and Quality that its work is resulting in the closure “There should be public provision very difficult to avoid the pollen causing the allergy. Authority (HIQA) into allegations of of sub-standard facilities. because private provision is failing. If The good news is that most sufferers can be man- serious elder abuse at the facility. SIPTU organiser, Louise O’Reilly, said: there is to be any private health care, it aged effectively and their symptoms well controlled. A similar probe into less serious “The authorities are now moving faster. should be conducted in a safe environ- 1. Avoidance – if you are obviously allergic to grass

problems at the Creevelea Nursing It took six weeks to move the people ment where people can blow the whis- pollen, then stay away from long grass and recently Home in Laytown, County Meath, out of Leas Cross nursing home when it tle and bring concerns to HIQA and cut grass. Some find that putting a layer of Vaseline resulted in this facility being removed was closed in 2005; in Rostrevor House, know they will have some support around the nostrils can catch inhaled pollens and from the nursing home register earlier it took about two weeks and in when the inspectors go home,” she improve symptoms. This is probably of limited use this month. Creevelea it was done in a couple of added. but may help children.

The closures may mark the beginning days.” A major concern for O’Reilly is the 2. Nasal sprays – the most commonly used group of a wider trend as enforcement of She added: “The authorities issue creeping privatisation of Home Help of nasal sprays contain low-dose steroid medication. standards by the authorities and tight- improvement orders to the homes and care. This acts locally on the lining of the nose and ening budgets lead to increased diffi- they are given plenty of time to comply. “The Home Help service is the one reduces the swelling and nasal discharge. It will also culties in the for-profit nursing home I think we are going to see more of that keeps people out of nursing homes help the itchy and dry eyes. The amount of medicine sector. and at home where they are happier. these closures as HIQA continues its ‘ is very low and does not affect growth or cause “The Home Help sector is completely Although HIQA has been responsible work and due to these homes experi- weight gain. These sprays can be used in children. It for the registration and inspection of unregulated and there is a core problem encing a squeeze on their funding from is important to use sprays daily and to start them all public and private nursing homes due to the fact that chasing profits the HSE.” before you typically get your hay fever symptoms. and residential care services for older drives down standards.” 3. Antihistamines – the medicine comes in tablet, liquid and nasal spray form. They stop the allergic reaction, which is caused by the release of hista- mines in our bodies when we are in contact with an Whistle-blowers must be supported allergen (something to which we are allergic). They are effective if your symptoms tend to be SEVERAL weeks after the closure of Rostrevor House I think most of the homes but only four have intermittent and are not present all the time. They former staff members have yet to receive any assis- former workers replied. can be used with the steroid nasal sprays especially tance from the State. One former staff member talked have no employ- I think they are on days with obviously high pollen counts. These to Liberty, but said she did not wish to be named in ment at the afraid because I came medications can also be used by children safely. case it made her search for employment more difficult. moment. I know I from Rostrevor. 4. Other medications such as Singulair are effec- did the right thing but it is a don’t know what to do. Since the nursing home tive, especially for asthmatics with allergic nasal mixed emotion, now that I We went to the Migrant shut down, SIPTU has helped symptoms have been left behind and Rights Centre and they my colleagues get their Commenting on the case 5. Desensitisation – Studies have shown that have no job at all. I have not helped us to write CVs and redundancy and they are SIPTU Health Sector Organiser, repeated low dose exposure to all allergens (e.g. got any money yet from write a letter to the going to the employment tri- Louise O’Reilly said; “The pollen) can dampen the allergic reaction and thus Rostrevor. All my colleagues Department of Health, to Dr bunal for my redundancy. If Union engaged in intensive cure the allergy. A tablet form of this is available to have but not myself. I was James Reilly. We have had no all the institutions will be negotiations on her behalf and treat hay fever. However, it involves taking a tablet we are pursuing her case with working there for 10 years response from the closed down because some- every day for three years and there is no ease in the Employment Appeals symptoms for a year. ‘but have got no redundancy. Department yet. one comes and says what is Tribunal. We have also For those who have severe grass pollen allergy, it is I am devastated. The management at happening there I don’t brought it to the attention of It has been a month since I Rostrevor was not good since think people will come out an effective – if costly – means of curing the disease. the Government and we will Medical allergy specialists can treat other allergies applied for jobseeker’s bene- I started to work there but any more to say, ‘Hey, there continue through Congress to fit but I haven’t got any the real problems started in is something wrong with this similarly and if your quality of life is being badly find a mechanism to address affected and you have no ease with the above treat- money. It is very hard for me 2008. We didn’t say anything place’. this sort of abuse. This case ments, it may be worth the investment. because I have a family to because we were afraid we It is embarrassing not once again highlights the need feed and so many bills to would lose our jobs. Now working. I have sent off 15 for the legal and statutory Illona Duffy is a GP and member pay, I am devastated and I that has happened. CVs to different nursing protection of whistleblowers.” of the Irish Medical Organisation 16 Liberty JULY 2011 Michael D Higgins Interview Michael D – trade union activist, socialist, politician and poet By Frank Connolly

He is well known as a successful for- ESB in Galway city after leaving school and had sufficient marks to be able to tem. and dock labour. I interviewed all mer Minister for Arts, Culture and the in county Clare in the late 1950s. The get in the fact is you had to pay a 78 dockers and the widows of many Gaeltacht, as the long standing Labour unfairness of Irish society for working deposit for blankets which we didn’t dockers. It gave me a great insight into TD for Galway, as an accomplished people and the poor was evident to the have at the time.” the tough conditions endured by those writer and poet, and as a politician who young Higgins when he realised that his Instead, he took a position with the workers and also showed me the impor- stood up for human rights across the Leaving Certificate result of over 90% in ESB in Galway and became a member of tance of using my social science knowl- globe at times when it was neither pop- the seven honours papers he took were the, only recently formed, ESB Officers edge in a practical way. I also witnessed ular nor profitable to do so. not enough to guarantee him a place in how my predecessor as a Labour TD in What is not so well known is that teaching training college, not to mind Galway, Gilbert Lynch, who was elected Michael D Higgins has also a been an university, at the time. When he left What is not so well known in 1923, was so admired by the workers active trade unionist all is working life school he worked in a local factory is that Michael D Higgins and poor of the city. When he moved as and a founding member of the while awaiting his results and his next a trade union official from the Transport Education branch, first of the Workers move. has also a been an active Union to the ATGWU the dockers moved Union of Ireland (WUI), then the FWUI “Effectively, even though I had seven trade unionist all is working with him,” Michael D recalled. and finally of SIPTU since the merger in honours in the Leaving and I’d over 90% During the period of his post gradu- 1990. in every one of the subjects no-one from life and a founding member ate studies he also spent time at Michael D., who was recently selected my situation ever considered going to of the Education branch, Manchester University and became by a comfortable majority as the Labour third level or university that time. I embroiled in the many shades of British Party candidate in the Presidential elec- worked in a factory in Shannon with my first of the Workers Union of left wing politics and protest of the time tion campaign, has a long record of brother. He worked in SPS, I worked in Ireland (WUI), then the including some memorable demonstra- political radicalism and trade union Progress International. We both were tions against the arch Tory racist, Enoch activity and intends to be “authentic” to working in the Shannon Industrial FWUI and finally of SIPTU Powell. He particularly enjoyed the himself and his beliefs during the next Estate for a short period. since the merger in 1990. speeches of the fiery Labour MP, few months of campaigning. “I stayed for a few months and I Michael Foot. His trade union- had a call to train in After taking up a teaching post in ism can be traced Drumcondra (teacher Association while working as a Grade A UCG, the first lay appointment in the back to the training college). clerk. social sciences in the college, he imme- first job he Even Two years later, he entered diately joined the Workers Union of secured though I University College Galway where he Ireland where he helped to form what with did that edited the students newspaper and became the long established Education the inter- served as President of the Students branch of the union. view Union at a time of growing radicalisa- “I applied to join a general trade tion of young people influenced by the union because the rest of the staff were Civil Rights and anti-Vietnam war move- in a general trade union and I ended up ments in the US. After graduating, in the WUI. I was a junior lecturer in Michael D went to do post-graduate sociology and political science. I applied studies at Indiana University where he to join the Transport Union but they witnessed at first hand the demonstra- didn’t have a category under which I tions against the Vietnam war. On his could be recruited so I went to the WUI. return to Ireland and post-graduate stud- They said ‘fine’ but they didn’t have a ies in UCG he was asked to research the third level teaching section at the time working conditions of dockers in so I set about forming one. I founded Galway who were organised in the the teaching section in UCG and I visit- ITGWU. ed all the third level colleges in Ireland “I spent nearly a full year talking to recruiting members. That was about dockers and their families. I reported on 1969-71 and at the same time the Irish their basic safety and human facilities Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) on the docks such as the toilets, wash was stirring itself and their recruiting rooms, what happened when it was person was Kader Asmal. So the two of raining where people took us used to appear together at third level refuge in the potato colleges not just in the Republic but in yards. I looked at Coleraine and Queens in the North as the casual well. Effectively, he got everyone above labour associate professor and up and I got peo- sys- ple from associate professor down. I got about 200 members that time so I was chairman then of the teaching section of the WUI that became the FWUI that became SIPTU.” It was not long before the newly established union section was forced into confrontation at UCG where a strike was called over the refusal of the College to negotiate. “There is a very famous photograph of one of our very early strikes which was on the front page of the Irish Press. It is a photograph of myself with long Liberty 17 Michael D Higgins Interview JULY 2011

hair and a big long black jumper and any other country in the world. Tony Christofides. The strike was about As Minister for Arts, Culture and the the right of junior lecturers to have a say Gaeltacht in the coalition government of in structuring their courses, setting their the 1990’s he proved that film, television, exam questions and attending faculty. I music and other creative activities could designed the strike about academic partic- create many, highly skilled jobs despite ipation and democracy but it turned into the assertion by former PD leader that he a recognition dispute because the authori- would “go mad” in the department. When he took the post in 1992 the value of film activity to the economy was just £11.7 It was not long before the million and when he left in 1997 it reached £187 million with thousands of newly established union sec- jobs in place. He personally negotiated tion was forced into confronta- the contract with the producers of Braveheart and other films to ensure that tion at UCG where a strike was grant aid and tax incentives maximised called over the refusal of the Irish participation across a range of skills. He established TG4 which has proven, College to negotiate. despite his detractors, to be a successful and important addition to public broad- casting in the country ties wouldn’t negotiate with us.” Controversially, and to the dismay of The management took out injunctions those elements in politics and the media against named WUI strikers forcing hostile to the prospect of a peace process Michael D to rotate the 30 pickets around in the North involving dialogue with Sinn the four different entrances to the col- Fein, he lifted the long running Section lege. 31 broadcasting ban on party spokespeo- “I kept rotating them from the front ple. gate because the front gate was where the In what is likely to be his final, and management served the injunctions so perhaps greatest, political battle he is that I would shift people to the back gate aware that some of those same elements and to the side gate. This was because the will seek to savage his prospects for the injunction had to be served individually presidency but he is not prepared to on the strikers.” dilute his principles or message. He is The WUI won the dispute and the quite open to endorsement by any pro- famous photograph ended up on the gressive party or organisation, including office wall of the then shop steward and Sinn Fein, which has yet to decide which later President of UCG, Iggy Moriarty, one if any candidate to support in the race for of those the college sought to injunct. the Park. “I’m still a member of the teaching sec- “As far as I am concerned the Labour tion. I’m 43 years or whatever now in the Party has put me in the field and I wel- Union,” Michael D said. come any support I get from any quarter. Michael D and Tony Christofides on picket duty at UCG Given his experiences and developing I also welcome the fact that the Fine Gael socialist political ideology his progress candidate, Gay Mitchell, has said he from lecturer and trade union activist to wants to promote his Christian Democrat full-time Labour politician was perhaps ideology as it gives me an opportunity to inevitable and for over three decades he debate why my views on the social econo- has been a voice for the poor and the my and the need to get away from the oppressed in Ireland and across the world right wing positions that have got us into travelling to many places where human our current state are more appropriate for rights were long forgotten. His solidarity the Irish people. I’m a socialist and I’m work took him, mainly during the 1980’s, happy with that.” to Nicaragua, El Salvador, Western Sahara, Gaza, Chile and Cambodia where he high- lighted humanitarian concerns and pro- tected human rights activists in the line of fire. During a visit last year to Colombia with Trocaire he suffered a broken leg which did not prevent him, however, from completing the visit and contribut- ing to an important report on the wide- spread abuse of human rights defenders in a country where they and trade union- ists are more likely to be assassinated by officially sanctioned death squads than in

Michael D Higgin’s latest book of poetry will be launched in the National Library of Ireland, Kildare St, Dublin on Wednesday 20th July 18 Liberty JULY 2011 Comment

Susan O’Keeffe Young minds trump the world

N mid-July, four young students from Coming up with an idea is an achievement in defined by difference rather than agreement. strength and will win. Their fresh enthusi- the North West went to New York and itself but then they pulled together and However, there is much work that can be asm is a timely reminder too of the value of won the biggest world prize available worked together and put in the hours – out- done outside the Dáil and the Seanad, espe- our young people, of their potential and our for students – the Microsoft Imagine side their core studies – to make the idea cially in Oireachtas committees, which can need to harness that and grow it. Cup.I Narrowed from more than 350,000 work. be imbued with collaboration rather than Too often, we believe that it is age that global applications, these four competed and They pooled their skills, ideas and efforts conflict brings wisdom – in this case let youth bold- won $25,000 for having the best idea in the and turned a raw thought into a reality But Government can only do so much. It is ly defy that concept and let the rest of us world this year. involving the latest computer technology. up to all of us to pull together and believe benefit from their endeavours. Of course the money is welcome but the They employed joined-up thinking and com- that our collective energy and strength will prestige and recognition far outweighs the mon sense and used setbacks in the process win through. Susan O’Keeffe dollar bills. Aine Conaghan, James as opportunities to improve and perfect Nationally, we face many challenges and is a Labour Party senator. McNamara, Calum Cawley and Matthew difficulties in the coming months; those will She stood in Padden have put themselves, Sligo IT and Too often we think age be exacerbated by magnifying our differ- Sligo/North Ireland on the map for innovation and tech- ences and our different needs. Leitrim in nological expertise. brings wisdom – in As long as we are all seeking to protect our the General These students embraced the concept put individual and specific needs, we are none Election forward by Microsoft to come up with a this case let youth of us protecting our collective need which is strong idea that could address real-life prob- to rebuild our confidence and our self-belief. lems in health, education and the environ- boldly defy the concept In turn, that will be the key to turn the ment. economy round, slowly but surely. They collaborated across their various dis- their product. Specifically, Government It is a huge ask for people to set aside their ciplines – engineering, tourism and IT – to would do well to think of this success as a own needs and believe in a collective good – produce a simple concept that will save lives metaphor for its own behaviour. yet the politics of difference have brought us on busy roads at home and across the world. The need for common sense is often to where we are. The software they invented will track replaced by the status quo – “That’s how It is of course much more difficult to do erratic driving at the point it occurs, store we’ve always done it, so that’s how we’ll this when we know that the sacrifice that the data and give instant feedback to the always do it” approach. entails will not fall equally. Yet what driver. Joined-up thinking is still far too rare, but choice do we have? We would all do well to follow their exam- then it is a first cousin of common sense! The four young students Aine, James, ple. First, they seized an opportunity and Pulling and working together is difficult in Calum and Matthew are living proof had sufficient self-belief to compete. our adversarial political system which is that those who collaborate have great

Members Legal Benefit Scheme for Work Related Accidents

SIPTU operates a Legal Benefit Scheme Application forms for Members Legal for supporting members who suffered an Benefit Scheme for Work Related injury/accident at work and believe their Accidents are available from your employer or another third party is at fault Divisional Organiser’s office or any SIPTU for the accident/injury/or occupational office. disease. The Statute of Limitations Act 1957 as No member shall be entitled to Legal amended imposes a limit of two years for Benefit unless they have been a benefit lodging a valid claim in the Personal member for a period of at least thirteen Injuries Assessment Board for a personal weeks prior to the time of the accident/ injury caused by negligence, nuisance or injury/ or occupational disease. breach of duty and this time limit usually The decision to grant or refuse Legal starts running from the time of the acci- Benefit on application from a member dent (or the date of knowledge of the will be at the absolute discretion of the person concerned in certain limited National Executive Council of SIPTU the cases). decision of which will be final. In the case of an occupational disease If the National Executive Council the two years starts running from the makes a decision to grant Legal Benefit date the person knew or ought to have the member must ensure that they known that they had an occupational remain a benefit member of SIPTU for the disease and that they had contracted it duration of the legal action. from work.

SIPTU Basic English Scheme Right Here, Write Now ›i\X[`e^›ni`k`e^›jg\cc`e^›]fid]`cc`e^›efk\$kXb`e^›=

Diary of a Southside TD

I never thought I would be reduced There is every danger that all I’ll look up the hotel brochure and Madame Lagarde Monday: to sliding down a slippery slope at phone records will be examined make it sound like Jack was on a gets the top job at the IMF despite a garden party in the American and questions might well be asked really jolly. Although I know that is my warnings. No one is listening to Embassy for a photo op but needs of other TDs and senators. not true – and the same is true of me and I am beginning to think must. A slippery slope – gosh I Begg. that being a back bencher does There are fundamental issues of hope it is not an omen. not give one all that much influ- principle at stake. As a working It is truly shocking the sort of ence after all. journalist I will not hand over my stuff the News of the World hacks phone records and I will fight to got up to. They have no standards. I’m still reeling from losing the Wednesday: Who the hell protect confidential sources of Chair of the Public Accounts I thought I’d better keep my told Miriam Lord about our night misinformation. But there is a Committee. I was expecting a distance from Mick the Pink and out with the independent technical nasty rumour that my many calls coronation – after all I know it all, Ming the Merciless after the Miss group? We went to Mick Wallace’s to Middle Abbey Street and Talbot but instead I suffered a complete Piggy affair in the Dáil. I even restaurant as a kind of gesture of Street may be scrutinised. There humiliation. It was a pantomime. had to apologise for my solidarity with Mick the Pink. are people who object to the fact The F Ferrets proposed McGuiness, laddish behaviour to Mary that I held down the job of busi- who I have often lauded in the It is hard to keep up appearances MOC. At least the Indo ness editor while being paid as a Sindo. There was dead silence and when you are forced to hang out kept my picture off senator. Tosh. throwing my well known modesty with these crowds. I was mortified the front page. aside I was forced to propose when some of the guys from the Word has come through that only Thank Tony myself. They were just about to Stock Exchange passed by as premium calls are to be barred. for small call a vote when Mary Lou walked Mattie McGrath, who insisted on Whew! mercies. in. Holding my nose I interjected sitting with myself and Donnelly, and shouted – “On a point of order, was proclaiming the virtues of his prized bitches. “Shane, dear boy, Deputy Mary Lou McDonald might Shane’s Brehon law: you really have gone to the dogs,” Friday: propose me now that she is here.” In the absence of a real story quipped one of the chaps as I And she did! throw mud. The ICTU Conference explained that we were merely was held in Killarney. It was a Mary Lou was hardly effusive, with talking about the finer points of scaled down conference with her barely audible “Yes” but given greyhound breeding in South not even an evening my track record Sinn Féin hardly Tipperary. owe me. function or concert –but Dolcetto and Piedmontese wine it would be a pity to let If word gets back to Talbot Towers were the order of the day. Just the facts stand in the that I am relying on the kindness the same I hope we don’t have to way of a good smear of Shinners I am doomed. Harris do it too often. on Sunday. will label me a fellow traveller, John A Murphy will come out of Jack worked day retirement – Sindo types are sup- and night and posed to Stick together. Thursday: Good grief. we could not Healy Rea has thrown the cat get a among the pigeons. The Ceann picture of Tuesday: Anguish is giving Comhairle has ordered an investi- him wining that young Wicklow pup Donnelly a gation into calls from Leinster and din- lot of exposure. I still have the House in support of Michael Healy ing so I back page but between Donnelly, Rea on some class of a reality TV got the O’Dea and the wretched Marc show. Hundreds of phone calls picture Coleman I’m finding it hard to were made at the tax payers’ desk to stand out from the crowd. I really expense. It is a bloody disgrace. superim- must think of something outra- How could anyone be so stupid as pose him geous to say about the bearded to get caught at something like on to a brethren – thats always good for a this? photo of the mention in the radio reviews. Brehon Hotel swimming pool.

1) What is the name of the government’s new intern job scheme? 2) In which town was the ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference recently held? 3) Which politician lifted the Section 31 broadcasting ban on Sinn Féin spokespeople? Liberty Quiz 4) What is the name of the SIPTU official who participated in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla 2? 5) Which banker did Shane Ross refer to as a superstar in his Sunday Independent newspaper column? *Answer the six questions correctly 6) Which former politician notoriously ended up writing a sports column for the now defunct News of and you can win a weekend away for the World newspaper? two in one of Ireland’s Fair Hotels. Last month’s winner: Larry O'Connor, Watergrasshill, Co. Cork

Answers by e-mail only to [email protected] *Terms and conditions apply.

Last month’s winner: 20 Liberty JULY 2011 Comment

An economy that serves society

By Niall Crowley Commission to assess and their be at the service of society. How emission caps and setting reduc- respond to trends in high pay, consumption. It is not clear that should we define prosperity for tion targets for each, shifting the examining an independent mech- such a strategy can work even in our society? burden of taxation from econom- LAIMING Our Future is anism to annually establish a its own terms. Economic growth What are the implications of ic ‘goods’ such as income to building on its national minimum income threshold that remains stagnant as resources are continuing economic growth and environmental ‘bads’ such as discussion on steps to would enable people to partici- taken out of the economy to bail ever increasing consumption for pollution, and making room for reduce income inequali- pate fully in society, and devising out the banks. society, the economy and the growth in poorer nations. Cty with a group now working to a campaign to make income Unemployment continues to environment? What alternative • The economic model is advance some of the ideas for differentials more transparent at grow despite a highly publicised scenarios might be possible? altered – by developing low- action discussed. company level. but poorly resourced jobs initia- carbon/labour-intensive sectors of These include exploring the Income equality is one factor in tive. Inequality deepens and the Economic growth the economy, increasing financial establishment of a High Pay the next theme to be opened up incomes of the low paid come prudence to avoid debt driven by Claiming Our Future in a sec- under attack while high incomes remains stagnant consumption, investing in job ond national discussion planned are protected from further taxa- creation in such as retrofitting for 5th November in Cork. tion. as resources are buildings, renewable energy This event will take up the A further implication of this technologies, public transport, theme of a sustainable alterna- strategy, were it to work, would taken out of the public spaces, and ecosystem tive to our boom and bust econo- be to propel us deeper into an maintenance and protection, and my. Such an alternative requires a environmental crisis. Continued economy to bail developing new ways to measure strategy for development that economic growth requires unsus- progress. achieves economic security and tainable use of resources, waste out the banks • The social logic is changed – social and environmental sustain- emissions, and degradation of by sharing out the available work, ability and a measurement of sus- ecosystems. One possible alternative sce- tackling systemic inequality tainable progress towards these A different type of economy is nario is offered by Tim Jackson in using, for example, maximum goals other than GDP. A working needed to emerge from economic his recent book Prosperity and minimum income levels, group is preparing this event. crisis, to escape from an environ- Without Growth. He suggests that dismantling the culture of Current government strategies mental crisis that is gathering prosperity should not be cast in consumerism and building social for development seek a return to pace and to address an equality economic terms but in terms of capital and strengthening economic growth and involve a crisis that is part and parcel of our potential to participate fully communities. call to all to increase the current strategy. The in the life of society. He sets out These ideas provide one possi- Claiming Our Future national dis- a possible scenario where: ble starting point for a national cussion will explore the possibili- • Limits are established – by discussion about the type of ties for an economy that would identifying clear resource and economy Irish society now needs.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work Act) 2003

By Tom O’Driscoll Protection of Employees (Fixed Term What are objective grounds? defined in case law as having all fixed-term employee in writing of Work) Act, 2003. Who is covered? Most litigation on this Act centres the attributes of the last fixed-term the objective reasons for not giving In general, the Act applies to any around what constitutes “objective contract minus the termination a contract of indefinite duration AST month we featured fixed-term employee working grounds” and it comes into play date. every time they wish to renew the protections afforded to under a contract of employment also on entitlement to a contract of There are two different cate- the fixed-term contract of the part-time workers under holding office under, or in the indefinite duration (see below). gories of entitlement with regard employee. the 2001 Act. We have had service of, the State, including The Act says “objective grounds” to contracts of indefinite duration: It is an important proviso often L many requests since to members of the Garda Siochana, must be a consideration other than Firstly, those workers employed overlooked in claims but strictly cover the area of fixed-term work- civil servants and employees of the status of the employee con- before or on July 14th, 2003 – the applied when raised at the Rights ers and their rights. This is a more any health board, harbour authori- cerned and must be for the pur- date of the passing of the Act – Commissioner or Labour Court. complex piece of legislation and ty, local authority or vocational pose of achieving the legitimate who have had two or more fixed- the advice is always be to seek education committee. objective of the employer and such term contracts and have completed How can I make a assistance from your official or The Act does not apply to agency treatment is appropriate. the third successive year of complaint under the Act? shop steward before contemplating workers placed by a temporary This somewhat vague definition employment, It is best advised to bring the mat- taking a claim under the Act. work agency at the disposition of a has led to prolonged and intricate Secondly, those workers ter to the attention of your shop Employers had been abusing user enterprise, apprentices, a arguments at the Rights employed after 14th July, 2003, steward or union official as soon fixed-term workers by keeping member of the Defence Forces, a Commissioner and Labour Courts. who have had two or more succes- as possible who may then raise it them on short contracts for many trainee garda or a trainee nurse. Simply put, an employer cannot sive fixed-term contracts where the at the local level. years and were not giving them the However, the Act applies to treat a fixed-term employee less aggregate duration does not exceed Most importantly any claim security of permanency nor parity agency workers employed directly favourably nor refuse to grant a four years; must be brought to a Rights with permanent employees. by an employment agency. In gen- contract of indefinite duration sim- When either of the above time Commissioner within six months Legislation was adopted at eral, the Act applies to any fixed- ply on the basis that the employee limits have been reached the next of the contravention of the Act. European and national level with a term employee working under a is a fixed-term employee. contract must be of indefinite The decision of the Rights twofold purpose: firstly, to ensure contract of employment. The problem is that this leads duration but the employer can still Commissioner may be appealed by that fixed-term workers cannot be them to use every other argument mount a defence by putting for- both parties to the Labour Court treated in a less favourable manner How should a fixed-term worker during the present economic crisis ward “objective grounds” to within six weeks of receipt of than comparable permanent be treated in comparison to a and it is very difficult to predict justify the continued use of a the decision. The Labour Court will employees and, secondly, to pre- comparable permanent employee? what type of argument can be re- fixed-term contract. then issue a determination which vent the abuse of excessive fixed Firstly, a permanent employee is butted successfully in these reces- can be legally enforced at the term contracts. defined as an employee who is not sionary times. What other entitlements and Circuit Court. a fixed-term employee and general- Recent case law suggests that the protections are there under the Act? If an employee receives a Who is a fixed-term worker? ly a comparable permanent objection put forward by the • You cannot be penalised for tak- favourable recommendation from A fixed-term worker is a worker employee is one who carries out employer must be provable and ing a claim under the Act. the Rights Commissioner and it is where the end of his/her contract similar work or work of equal capable of being independently • An employer must also notify has not been implemented by the of employment is determined by value to the fixed-term employee. audited and backed up by evi- the fixed-term employee of any employer, they need to refer the an objective condition such as The fixed-term employee cannot dence. relevant employee vacancies. matter to the Labour Court within arriving at a specific date, complet- be treated in a less favourable • The employer must also make six weeks of receipt of the deci- ing a specific task or the occur- manner over wages or conditions When is an employee on successive sure that the fixed-term employee sion for a legally enforceable deter- rence of a specific event (e.g. If you of employment and is entitled to fixed-term contracts entitled to a has equal access to training oppor- mination. are covering an employee on long- the same pay and conditions pro- contract of indefinite duration? tunities ordinarily available to a term illness and that employee rata, unless unequal treatment can A contract of indefinite duration is comparable permanent employee. returns to work). be justified on ”objective grounds.” not defined under the Act but is • The employer must notify the Liberty 21 Comment JULY 2011 Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR SIPTU General President View

EUROPE ON THE BRINK FOR several months the ostrich- a Europe-wide solu- turing of debt. Parallel with this we have es at the top of the European tion, which would Meanwhile, we argued for the investment of the institutions have had their entail those at the top There are two possibilities: have continued to remaining €5 billion in the heads in the sand. They hoped of the major European insist that there are that their primary concern – the banks accepting either the banks accept policy options open National Pension Reserve Fund fate of the major European responsibility for reck- responsibility for reckless to the Government, in job generating projects and banks – could be saved by cruci- less lending during even within the enterprises. We have also called the bubble years, or very restricted fying the populations of Greece, on the Minister for Finance to Portugal and Ireland. Reality the Euro will collapse. lending during bubble Troika agreement, approach the trustees of private appears to be dawning on them Some people believe years or Euro will collapse to support job cre- as the inevitable unfolds. this would be a good ation and growth. pension funds to persuade them The crisis is now extending to thing. They may be These entail to invest 5% of their assets (i.e. Spain and Italy. The debts of right. However, there proverbial “walk in the park” in measures to restore €4 billion) similarly, on the is greater likelihood of a dramat- confidence that people’s homes these huge economies cannot be comparison. basis of exemptions from the addressed through the ostrich- ic implosion of the economic This is the reason why we will not be repossessed while and social system as we know they are making genuine efforts recently introduced pension like policies which have been have not supported demands for it. This would render the diffi- to pay their mortgages and steps followed to date. unilateral default. We have levy and the expectation that culties experienced over the last to protect the pension entitle- argued for a Europe-wide solu- they would receive reasonable Ultimately, there are only two three years equivalent to the ments of private sector workers. possibilities. Either there will be tion entailing an agreed restruc- returns on it.

High Court ruling against low paid workers much worse than expected We were not surprised that the Labour Court would has been trying to get Meanwhile, it would be open High Court ruled against the make a recommen- agreement with Fine season on the most vulnerable Joint Labour dation to the Only solution is to tackle Gael in Government workers as far as the most Committee/Employment Minister who in on legislation to pro- unscrupulous employers in the Regulation Order system which turn would make difficult task of preparing tect the low paid. It State are concerned. The only protected the meagre pay and the Order as is the also frustrates efforts solution is to tackle the difficult conditions of the lowest paid case in the comprehensive new by Sinn Féin to get a task of preparing comprehen- 20% of the Minimum Wage Act. legislative process sive new legislation for enact- workforce. Eventually we legislation for enactment underway to the same ment as early as possible in the end. We were always fearful of a secured a commit- Autumn. as early as possible Passage of the 2009 Court ruling on the basis that ment in the T2016 Until then, we have to try to Bill as drafted is no only the Oireachtas, not the Agreement that this defend workers as best we can. would be done. The longer sufficient to Labour Court, can actually make In addition to the problem we That is why we have publicly Fianna Fáil-led coalition address the problem. Doing so law. anticipated which arises in the declared that we will defend Government delayed drafting of context of Article 15.2.1 of the would be worse than a waste of We anticipated this as far back time because it would merely any worker whose pay and con- the Bill until 2009 and then Constitution, he went on to as the early years of the decade. reneged on the agreement by result in it being referred to the ditions are cut as a result of this invoke the issue of property That is why we fought very hard failing to pass it into law. In his Supreme Court which would High Court decision even to the for legislation to address the recent High Court judgment, Mr rights under Article 40.3. ultimately rule against it in sev- point of strike action if neces- threat. We sought a change in Justice Feeney went much fur- This makes it far more diffi- eral months time. sary. the law to provide that the ther than expected. cult for the Labour Party which 22 Liberty JULY 2011 News

IMF calls for European solution to debt crisis

Calling for a European solution prompted by the fear of contagion receive €9 billion and €5 billion to a European problem, IMF repre- across the Euro zone. respectively in profit from their sentative, Ajai Chopra, has conced- His comments echo what has loans to Ireland. ed that the “problems the Irish been said by Congress over many Chopra claimed that there was face are not just an Irish prob- months in its calls for a Euro wide evidence of growth returning to lem.” solution to the debt problem in the Irish economy, that bank Speaking at a press conference Ireland that is in no small way the recapitalisation was underway, the in Dublin on Thursday (14th July) result of reckless lending to Irish fiscal programme was proceeding Chopra also said that Europe banks by European finance hous- as planned and that competitive- needs to dispel the uncertainty es. ness was improving. surrounding its insufficient The EC representative on the “The government has the politi- response to the crisis which has Troika, Istvan Szekely, told the cal will and determination to led to increased spreads in the same press conference that talk of implement the programme,” he markets on the cost of borrowing sovereign debt restructuring was said. for Ireland. not helpful while his ECB col- If it was not for the fear of con- He also called for the early league, Klaus Masuch, said that tagion Ireland would be in a dif- implementation of “consistent, Ireland had obtained €100 billion ferent position, he said. The fear cohesive and co-operative” from the ECB in order to keep its of contagion, he argued, was the European policies to deal with the banking system alive. He was result of “the tardiness of Europe crisis and said that the cost of bor- responding to a question as to in coming to grips with the debt Ajai Chopra at the third quarterly review press conference in EU House, Dublin on Thursday (14th July). Picture: Photocall Ireland rowing for Ireland was being why the EU and IMF were set to crisis.”

HSA stats reveal deadly toll By SYLVESTER CRONIN whatever reason it is a retrograde deaths in workplace accidents Ireland, which resulted in an statistics on how often safety step not to have a public launch increasing. enforcement action being taken representatives meet and accom- ACH year the Health and of the HSA’s annual report there- Far too many people are being in 51% of cases – including writ- pany inspectors. Safety Authority (HSA) is by denying face to face interac- killed as a result of work-related ten advice notes, prohibition legally obliged to publish tion between the leadership of causes where all are preventable. notices, improvement notices Fines and penalties an annual report that HSA, including the responsible What is required is for all and voluntary clo- Although the Safety, Health E publicises its activities in minister, Richard Bruton, and employers to comply with their sures. and Welfare at Work relation to occupational safety representatives of stakeholders, legal obligations to protect the When an Act 2005 allows for and health (OSH), which is then media and members of the pub- safety and health of workers in inspector from maximum fines of €3 in the public domain. lic. their workplaces. the HSA carries million per conviction The HSA normally launches its The techniques and methods out a workplace on indictment charges, annual report in an open public Fatalities for doing this are well estab- inspection, the there is precious little forum that is attended by repre- During 2010, 48 people were lished – it is a question of having safety represen- evidence that judges are sentatives of the main stakehold- killed as a result of work activity the will to do it. tative is enti- applying anything near ers, including representatives of accidents – of these, 22 were tled to accom- this amount. In 2010, trade unions, employers and the self-employed, 18 were employ- Workplace inspections pany the there were 17 cases heard media. ees, two were family workers The HSA, as the statutory inspector, save on indictments with The launch is usually spear- and seven were authority, has legal powers to for a few pos- resulting fines totalling headed by the relevant minister. members of the public. inspect any workplace in Ireland sible excep- €552,100, averaging less This year the launch of HSA This figure compares to 43 and this is carried out through tions – mainly than €3,500 per convic- annual report was different in who were killed because of work- their inspectors. investigating an accident. tion. that is was done in a very low place accidents for the The HSA Inspector can turn up Safety representatives must These HSA reports can be key manner, almost in private. corresponding period in 2009, at any time to carry out a work- always exercise this legal right to downloaded free of charge from For the first time since the representing an increase of place inspection without giving accompany a HSA inspection in www.hsa.ie inception of the HSA in 1989 five. At a time when the num- any prior notification to the the interest of workers’ concerns SIPTU was not invited to the ber of people at work is reduc- employer. In 2010, the HSA car- being taken into consideration. launch of the annual report. For ing, it is a worrying trend to see ried out 16,714 inspections in The annual report does not carry Liberty 23 News JULY 2011

Rules change when crisis moves to core of EU By Martin Fitzpatrick have that modest degree of cer- such a gift horse in the mouth. the mess. That involves French holding safe and secure tainty stolen by some ‘principled’ The acceptance of a ‘soft’ and especially German political Eurobonds. A useful spin-off for CONTAGION near to the heart of stand by someone in Frankfurt or default for Greece has to be a pos- decision-making that has not been such an arrangement is that the Europe was always the thing that Brussels acting in pursuit of naked itive for Ireland, opening up as it forthcoming to date. rating agencies such as Standard was going to force the EU properly vested interest. does the probability of something It is a voluntary scheme involv- and Poor’s and Moody’s could to face up to the debt crisis. The fact that these principled that any half-way sensible people ing debt swaps that then go whistle. It was OK if that contagion was stands would mean that the small- have been arguing will be organised by The Financial Times has been confined to the periphery, to er states such as Ireland and (such as in last the European pedalling the line that the places like Ireland and Greece, but Greece would be shaken to their month’s Liberty) Financial Stability European Investment Bank be when the problem struck deep cores and their citizens would be which is that the Facility (EFSF). Up to allowed to issue Eurobonds and a into the heart of the Community pounded with programmes of only solution for now the Germans string of ex-European prime min- as it did with Italy in mid-July, unparalleled austerity, did not our debt crisis is to have stoutly resisted isters suggested so in a piece in then the problem achieved a dif- seem to make much difference to soften the interest such a change, even that paper a few weeks ago. ferent dimension. Then the hard defenders of economic ‘principle.’ rate blow and though the best eco- The beauty of that idea is that it thinking had to start. Now that the contagion has extend the re-pay- nomic brains in would avoid any treaty changes It says a lot for Ireland’s spread to Italy and even Belgium, ment period for Europe were arguing which would be a blessed relief European partners that they were new sets of rules are on the table. our borrowing. for it. for Irish defenders of the prepared so long to profoundly Suddenly, Eurozone leaders have However, the The idea would be European project. ignore that most sacred of invest- grown to favour the ‘soft’ or selec- best news coming that the EFSF would It looks as if we are moving into ment truisms, namely that the tive default on Greek sovereign out of the newest emergency offer to buy, say, Greek debt at an a new resolution phase of the market can stand anything except debt less than a week after the debate in Brussels is that wise appreciable discount in exchange debt crisis – even if Irish people uncertainty. suggestion had the European heads have decided that a new for its own top-rated bonds. The would be happier if it had hap- While the problem was on the Central Bank breathing fire at mechanism will be intro- sellers would have to take a ‘hair- pened 12 months ago. periphery, the crisis would veer such a notion. duced to get the private sec- cut,’ (about which no one would Martin Fitzpatrick close to some resolution only to Not that Ireland should look tor involved in clearing up shed a tear) but would end up is a journalist and NUJ activist Default not inevitable By Vic Duggan

SOVEREIGN default is a political ...but not the end of the world either choice. There is no specific tip- ping point where a country’s debt default may be a choice, but it is remain locked out of the bond becomes economically unsustain- no easy option. market indefinitely. Indeed, after able, and default inevitable. Recognising that it carries very an initial period of dislocation, it Market perception of default significant costs and risks, a gov- is quite possible that forward- risk, as measured by the interest ernment will only choose default looking lenders would become rate charged, is determined by a when it becomes the least worst more willing to lend if default country’s track record in servicing option – when the political cost of enhanced long-term fiscal sustain- its debts as well as by the size of servicing the debt becomes unsus- ability. its debt, the size of its economy, tainable. That even Greece has not In the event of an Irish default, and the rate at which both are yet succumbed to the lure of we would not likely return to a growing. default is testament to this. scenario where Ireland could bor- Unlike people, countries never The endgame in Greece will row money cheaper than repay their debts; they just roll help determine Ireland’s range of Germany, but neither would we be them over. In this way, a country options. faced with the double digit rates can theoretically support a very A Greek default not only makes in the current market. large national debt, so long as the a default in Ireland politically At this point in time, the politi- bond market is willing to lend at a possible, it increases its probabili- cal calculus would suggest that manageable interest rate. ty, a momentum that may be default is neither feasible nor Japan, for instance, has a debt- difficult to stop if it takes hold in desirable. Unilateral, pre-emptive to-GDP ratio over 200%, far above the market. default is not a credible policy all but the worst case scenarios Recent developments in Italy option, but neither is the prevail- envisaged for Ireland. Yet Japan is further underline the intercon- ing optimistic orthodoxy. not perceived to be at imminent Figuring it out: Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan discussing the sovereign debt nected nature of the Eurozone’s Something has to give. While risk of default, and can borrow crisis at a conference in Dublin Picture: Photocall Ireland crisis, and the need for decisive there may be no ‘golden mean’, a money over 10 years at an interest action. credible, pan-European path must rate of about 1%, compared to error made in socialising the loss- able to do. However, none of this In the event of default, all credi- be found if the tyranny of the Ireland’s 13%. es of a bust banking system cou- makes default inevitable. tors take a hit. Banks, both Irish bond market is to be mitigated, Ireland, the UK, and the US will pled with market fears that more The state has very significant and European, would need more and disorderly default averted. all record budget deficits of about such losses lie waiting to be theoretical scope to raise taxes to capital. Pension funds would be 10% this year, yet the UK and the found. service its debts. Even in the late burned. Governments would lose Vic Duggan is a Masters In US can still borrow at rates of The challenge is compounded 1980s, as every penny raised in money lent directly to the default- Public Administration (MPA) can- about 3%. by not being able to print money income tax went to cover interest er and would be called on to bail didate in Economic Policy Ireland’s problem is not the size or to borrow in our own currency, payments, Ireland did not serious- out the ECB and the IMF. Management at Columbia of its deficit, but the catastrophic as Japan, the UK and the US are ly contemplate default. Sovereign Countries that default do not University. New York. 24 Liberty JULY 2011 SIPTU Oil & Gas Report Optimising Ireland’s Oil and Gas Resources

A report by the SIPTU Oil and possible changes that could While significant reserves have nificant onshore discovery of square kilometres, this licensing Gas Review Group entitled improve the return to the Irish been discovered off shore, most natural gas in the North West round was the largest ever “Optimising Ireland’s Oil and exchequer from any future oil notably in the Corrib field in the Carboniferous Basin and explo- opened and the Department is Gas Resources” was published on and gas finds. It also assesses the Atlantic margin, the scale of ration licenses have been grant- currently assessing 15 applica- Thursday 30th June. Below we potential employment benefits Ireland’s recoverable oil and gas ed for an area of approximately tions for licensing options under reproduce the introduction and from oil and gas exploration and resources remains unknown. To 8000 square kilometres over this latest round. some key recommendations of production, and parts of south Donegal, the discussion document which related services, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo, As new technologies allowing for is intended as a contribution to and reviews the Mayo, Monaghan, the exploitation of previously the debate on this important experience of the Roscommon and inaccessible reserves emerge, national issue in advance of a industry in this Fermanagh. and the rising cost of oil and gas proposed Oireachtas review of country over makes investment in exploration the oil and gas licensing terms in recent decades. By the end of March and production more economi- the Autumn. 2011, three petroleum cally viable, a review of the Irish In particular, it leases, 13 exploration licensing terms is timely. Indeed, The Department of examines the sig- licences (under the 1992 given the rapidly changing world Communications, Energy and nificant changes Optimising terms) and 8 explo- energy market and the spiralling Natural Resources (DCENR) esti- to the 1975 licens- ration licenses under cost of oil and gas, it is essential mates a total reserve potential in ing terms which Ireland’s Oil and the 2007 terms had that government policy with the order of 10 billion barrels of allowed for a 50% Gas Resources been awarded and regard to the exploitation of any oil equivalent (bboe) beneath the State holding, roy- remained in place. The hydrocarbon reserves should be seabed off the west coast of alties and a 50% PAD is currently review- reassessed before any new Ireland. On the basis of geologi- tax on profits ing applications from cal studies, seismic surveys and accruing from an two other exploration drilling results these estimated oil or gas find and licence holders for lease In this regard it is the reserves divide approximately development. In undertakings in the considered view of the into 6.5 billion barrels of oil and 1987 royalties and Celtic Sea (off the south 20 trillion cubic feet of gas. This state participation coast). A lease undertak- SIPTU Oil and Gas quantity of estimated reserves, if were abolished ing means that the Review Group that no found and exploited, would be and in 1992 the exploration licence sufficient to meet Ireland’s corporate tax rate holding company has new exploration licenses demand for hydrocarbons for was reduced from made a discovery of gas/ for oil and gas should over 100 years, based on current 50% to 25%. oil and that the licensee usage. There were fur- is not yet in a position be issued by the DCENR ther changes to Report of the SIPTU Oil & Gas Review Group to declare the find com- until a detailed Ireland’s offshore and onshore the regime in mercial but expects to oil and gas reserves are managed 2007 which allows do so in the near future. reassessment of the by the Petroleum Affairs Division for a higher return current licensing (PAD) of the DCENR which issues A licensing round aimed to the State from system is completed. different authorisations for very large finds. date, four discoveries off the at encouraging further explo- exploration and production activ- Irish coast have been declared ration in the Atlantic margin off ities1 under a licensing system. The Irish government has said commercial while 13 other dis- the west coast closed at the end licenses are issued. This system governs petroleum that it intends to keep the licens- coveries in the Irish offshore are of May 2011. Covering an prospecting licences, licensing ing terms, both fiscal and non- currently under assessment. area of over a quarter It is noted that the Minister options, exploration licences and fiscal, under review while focus- There have been two offshore oil of a million for Communications, petroleum leases. The licensing ing on attracting a larger share of finds and three gas finds since Energy and Natural regime includes fiscal terms (for mobile international exploration 2002. There has also been a sig- Resources has accepted example rates of taxation) and investment to Ireland. that the current licensing non-fiscal terms (such as the terms for oil and gas duration of licences, commit- exploration and produc- ments to drill wells). tion should be reviewed by an Oireachtas com- This report seeks to assess mittee. whether the licensing system under which companies explore This report is intend- and develop oil and gas reserves ed to contribute to is appropriate for this country at the public debate as this difficult time in our history. the proposed The report compares the Irish Oireachtas review licensing regime with those of approaches. other countries and examines Liberty 25 SIPTU Oil & Gas Report JULY 2011

In this regard it is the considered view of the SIPTU Oil and Gas Review Group that no new explo- ration licenses for oil and gas should be issued by the DCENR until a detailed reassessment of the current licensing system is completed. It is also our view that the proposed Oireachtas review should have the widest possible brief to consider not only possible changes in the licens- ing terms which might include the imposition of royalties, State equity stakes and increased taxes, but should also examine alternatives involving a more direct State involve- ment in oil and gas exploration and production. The review should examine the potential for job creation and skills development of a revived oil and gas industry and should also investigate the implications of oil and gas pro- duction on climate change. The Oireachtas committee should also be charged with considering actions aimed at getting the compa- nies which have announced discover- ies of oil and gas to either get these finds into production or declare them non-commercial and relinquish control of them. It should consider a new approach to the management of Irish hydrocar- bons that offers the prospect of

The potential scale of Ireland’s hydrocarbon resources underlines the necessity to create the conditions for the development of an indigenous oil and gas In this regard it is the industry that can help considered view of the to generate long term SIPTU Oil and Gas employment, Review Group that no greater sovereign control over our new exploration licenses natural resources in line with for oil and gas should international best practice and that ensures a better return for Ireland be issued by the DCENR while remaining profitable for until a detailed investors. It would also help to mitigate against the known and reassessment of the increasing dangers arising from current licensing global climate change. system is completed. The potential scale of Ireland’s hydrocarbon resources underlines the necessity to create the conditions for the development of an indige- nous oil and gas industry that can help to generate long term employ- ment, technological skills and rev- enues. Furthermore, increased levels of financial returns from a revised shale must be addressed and an fiscal system could be used to fund a alternative, safe, process for the transition to renewable energies development of these known Optimising onshore resources identified. “Optimising Ireland’s Ireland’s Oil and reducing demand for fossil fuels and Gas Resources growing renewable energy supplies Oil and Gas Resources” In the light of the 2010 oil spill which are critical to our energy secu- disaster at a BP facility in the Gulf is available on the rity. of Mexico it is also essential that a SIPTU website In relation to onshore exploration review takes place of the regulatory at: www.siptu.ie/ Report of the SIPTU Oil & Gas Review Group the real concerns over the potential and supervisory powers of the State publications or if you would damage to human health and the in relation to oil exploration and environment arising from the use of production, particularly in the more like to receive a printed copy please hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ in hostile offshore territories of the request one by emailing: [email protected] the extraction of natural gas from Atlantic Margin. or telephone: 01 858 8217 XX26 Liberty JULY 2011 News Progressive responses to Ireland’s public debt Sean Garland: Extradition hearing By SCOTT MILLAR gested that a US-style “pretend and extend” approach to our bank ARIOUS progressive solu- debts should be adopted and that TDs and union tions to coping with the EU must start issuing Ireland’s massive public Eurobonds to return stability to leaders back debt burden were debated the European financial system. V at the Sinn Fein Scoil Replying on behalf of Sinn Fein, campaign to Shamhraidh na Saoirse in party economic spokesman Pearse Ballyvourney, County Doherty endorsed much of the halt Garland Cork, earlier this month. TASC approach. SIPTU president Jack O’Connor He reiterated that private bank extradition was among those who took part in debt must be disentangled from the panel discussion, entitled sovereign debt and the public A NUMBER of TDs and sena- ‘Dealing with the Debt Crisis: should not be forced to pay for tors have pledged support to Progressive Alternatives to the latter. the Stop the Extradition of Austerity and Bailout’, on Doherty said that it was not the Sean Garland Campaign. Saturday 9th July. responsibility of Irish tax payers They made their views In his contribution, O’Connor known at a 13th July press warned against left politicians to repay the gambling debts of senior bankers. conference in Dublin’s calling for a debt default and Shelbourne Hotel. claimed this only “cleared the In a the debate that followed, speakers from the floor argued Waterford TD, John field” for the Right to present Halligan, who co-chaired the policies for implementation while Pearse Doherty: Bank debt must be separated from sovereign debt that the issue was not whether people were for or against default event, said: “I think we can- the country attempted to stick to not stand by and allow the US the current IMF/EU agreement. Finance Minister, outlined how low a similar path to Iceland, the but whether they would accept the State being burdened with pri- government on botched up He said he personally felt that his left-wing government had Republic would, by the middle of arrangements force the extra- vate banking debts. the Irish workforce was unable to reacted to the crisis. the next decade, be paying more dition of an Irishman to McDonnell said a structured repay the more than €200 billion There, burden sharing had been in interest to service our public America. in public debt with which it had forced on the banks and the debt than the State currently default on Ireland’s debt was “They have put up no been saddled but that Ireland administration had used progres- spends on primary, secondary and probably inevitable but that every charges whatsoever against could manage the debt until polit- sive taxation to rebalance the third level education. effort should be made to convince Sean Garland. What they’re ical changes in Europe allowed for economy in a bid to protect He added that it was estimated our European partners of the need saying is, “We’ll present the its renegotiation. Iceland’s Nordic welfare model. the Government’s current austeri- for a co-ordinated, Europe-wide, charges when he gets to Huginn Freyr Þorsteinsson, a TASC analyst, Tom McDonnell, ty approach will lead to 45,000 debt write-down. America’. We cannot allow political advisor to Iceland’s pointed out that by failing to fol- more job losses. McDonnell sug- this to set a precedent.” The press conference was held just days before the US Department of Justice extra- diction demand comes before the High Court in Dublin. The hearing is set to start on 18th July. Sean Garland, who is 77 Providing the best value and in poor health, faces alle- gations of involvement in a network to distribute forged US currency during the 1990s. A political activist through- to members of SIPTU out his adult life, he was Workers Party President until SIPTU Membership Services better offers being available plans to its life assurance suite of organises workplace site visits to 2008. provides union members and their through SIPTU Membership products which also includes Over inform members of the range of Among the TDs, from sever- families with exclusive discounts Services. 50s life assurance cover. products available to them. al parties, who spoke in sup- and benefits across a wide range “My job is to get that message Fabia said; “In addition through “We’ll go to your workplace, port of Garland were Richard of financial products, including out to people and encourage mem- JLT we are also now offering normally during lunchtime, with Boyd Barrett, Joan Collins, car insurance, home insurance, bers and their family members to income protection plans, a prod- our stand, flyers and leaflets and Finian McGrath, Joanna Tuffy, travel insurance, life assurance, pick up the phone and look for uct which protects members from provide information directly to Timmy Dooley, Martin Ferris income protection plans and a low quotes; the more members we can the financial stress that can follow members”, Fabia added. and Joe Higgins. cost alternative to healthcare. get doing that the more we can go a long term illness. More and SIPTU Membership Services can Others at the meeting Fabia Gavin for SIPTU back to various companies to seek more people are looking for this also be accessed directly on the included Luke ‘Ming’ Membership Services lower rates and keep the rates protection in the current econom- www.siptu.ie website through the Flanagan, Mick Wallace, Coordinators, JLT Ireland has been down for members. That is where ic climate. Income Protection SIPTU Membership Benefits but- Aengus Ó Snodaigh as well as working with Union members the buying power really comes Schemes can be organised on a ton on the home page where senators, including Labhras O since 2001. Fabia told Liberty that into being,” said Fabia. sector by sector basis starting with quotes on products can be Murchu, together with a num- SIPTU members can avail of some In addition, Membership an income protection plan for the accessed directly on line. Through ber of councillors, among of the best opportunities for sav- Services offer very competitive car ambulance services sector which the membership pages you can themn Ted Tynan, Mannix ings by purchasing membership insurance, travel insurance will provide really exclusive sav- access more information on each Flynn and Davy Walsh. services products. options including family, couple ings for members. Where no of the products and details of At a 5th July fringe meeting “We recently compared our and single trip policies. There are Income Protection Scheme is avail- numbers to call to access the serv- during the ICTU conference in home insurance products with health cash plans through HSF able to your sector we will be ices. Killarney, SIPTU General other companies. In 13 out of 17 which offers money back on offering income protection cover In July and August all shop President Jack O’Connor, cases our quotation was the most everyday bills including GP and on an individual basis. Members stewards will be sent posters for TEEU General Secretary competitive premium option dental. going through SIPTU Membership workplace notice boards and flyers Eamon Devoy and Unite whilst not compromising on cover The products on offer from Services to purchase income pro- advertising SIPTU Membership Regional Secretary Jimmy requirements for our members. SIPTU Membership Services are tection will benefit from a premi- Services. Workplace site visits can Kelly spoke in support of the It is the organised “buying constantly evolving with this year um rebate on their first years pre- be organised directly with Fabia campaign. power” of tens of thousands of One Direct adding term life insur- mium.” Gavin on 01 2026000. SIPTU members which results in ance and mortgage protection SIPTU Membership Services Liberty 27 Fair Hotels JULY 2011

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Congratulations to Esther Agnew, once again, we will be staying in a our latest winner in the Fair Hotels Fair Hotel” Raffle. Esther has won a wonderful prize of two nights B&B and an Remember, all bookings made evening meal in the Croke Park through the Fair Hotels website Hotel Dublin. are entered into one of our regular Raffles. Further information Reacting to the good news Esther on our current Raffle is available on declared “I could not believe my our home page on luck when I was told that I had won www.fairhotels.ie this great prize. It will be a lovely break for me and my husband and 28 Liberty JULY 2011 International Trade union support sought for Palestinian statehood By David Joyce a major concession by the of a Mission. Israel, the US and, indeed, Ireland to encourage other EU states to do Palestinians as the 1967 borders Palestinians are now seeking the have all done in the past! the same. TRADE unions were well repre- represent just 22% of their historic ultimate form of international Secondly, it accuses Palestine of He also requested Irish civil sented at a July 12th briefing homeland, with Israel continuing recognition for their state – that doing this in lieu of talks. society, including trade unions, to organised by campaign group to exist in the other 78%. is, UN membership. Dr Shaath In response to the latter charge, build up support for the cam- Sadaka. Since then, the way has been stressed the importance of UN Dr Shaath points out that Israel paign. It is clear that, whereas The meeting centred on the open for a “two-state solution”, recognition in strengthening the won’t abide by UN resolutions and Palestinians are prepared to settle Palestinian Authority’s bid to seek but it has been impossible to Palestinian hand in any talks. continues to occupy territory over for a state in 22% of mandatory UN membership for a Palestinian achieve because Israel has refused Palestine would then be an which it is supposed to be negoti- Palestine, Israel is unwilling to state based on the 1967 borders – to withdraw from the territory independent state with East ating over. settle for a state in the other 78%. comprising Gaza, the West Bank meant for a Palestine state. Jerusalem as its capital and occu- UN recognition on the basis of A Palestinian state will only and East Jerusalem – at the United Already 117 countries have pied by another UN state, Israel – 1967 borders would prevent Israel come about if external pressure is Nations in September. recognised a state of Palestine and which itself benefited from a simi- from starting at zero again – pre- brought to bear on Israel to with- Dr Nabil Shaath, Commissioner granted full diplomatic relations. lar UN decision to grant it recogni- senting the current day reality of draw from occupied territories. of International Relations of Fatah Others, including Ireland, while tion in 1948. Israel has criticised Israeli occupation as the basis for and a senior Palestinian negotia- not going as far as recognition, this course of action on two any newly-agreed borders. There David Joyce is Equality officer tor, addressed the gathering and established some form of diplo- fronts. are around 500,000 Israeli settlers with Congress outlined the importance of the matic relations with it. In January Firstly, it says that this would be in the West Bank. Dr Shaath is issue for Palestinians. He pointed 2011, Ireland upgraded Palestinian a “unilateral declaration of inde- urging our government not only to out that the proposal was already representation in Dublin to that pendence” – something which vote for UN membership but also TIMELINE CONFLICT IN How Irish Labour won PALESTINE 1260-1914 Palestine a province of the Malmuk and then Ottoman Empires, First Dáil recognition with a mixed Muslim-Christian-Jewish population.

1916 In World War 1 Britain and France ... and its relevance for Palestinians seeking UN membership conclude a secret agreement (Sykes-Picot Pact) to conquer and divide the Ottoman By Philip O’Connor meeting of the Socialist International in British mandate in the 1920-30s, Ireland has Middle East. Berne, Switzerland, in January 1919 and been an outspoken advocate of the rights of 1917 Britain, with the aim of bringing the HE Palestinian campaign to made the case for recognition of Irish inde- the Palestinian people. US into World War I, issues the “Balfour become a member state of the UN, pendence. Palestinian leaders are very aware of the Declaration”, promising a Jewish national home under a British protectorate in within the 1967 borders, is a Following success at Berne, Cathal traditional strong support among Irish peo- Palestine. demand endorsed by the Unity O’Shannon attended the Trade Union ple for their cause. AgreementT encompassing all Palestinian International in Amsterdam in April 1919, They are relying on Ireland to again take 1918 Jewish population in Palestinian just 7% (30,000), Arab population 93% parties. where a motion was passed endorsing Irish the lead in Europe in supporting Palestinian (664,000). This campaign has a special resonance in independence. UN membership. Ireland because here, after the landslide The Socialist International and the Trade 1922-39 Under British rule, Jewish Philip O’Connor is a member of immigration, amid much violence, reaches Sinn Féin victory in the 1918 general elec- Union International thus became the first 150,000 by 1929 and 500,000 by 1939. tion, the Irish people established its first international organisations to endorse Irish Sadaka – The Ireland Palestine Alliance Britain now proposes partition between a Dáil, and, with its “Declaration of independence and recognise the Irish state. www.sadaka.ie Jewish and a Palestinian protectorate. De Valera at the League of Nations rejects Independence” and “Message to the Free The Irish labour movement played a criti- partition and calls for a single democratic Nations of the World” of 21st January 1919, cal role in the War of Independence, hold- state. established its independence and called on ing effective strikes to prevent the move- ment of British troops and munitions and 1947 UN partitions Palestine, establishing the free peoples of the world to recognise the State of Israel on 56% of mandate it. in support of political prisoners. Palestine. This was while Britain had Ireland under Labour leaders worked tirelessly – and military occupation and was seeking to sup- successfully – to win over the labour move- 1948-50 Israel declares independence against Arab resistance. First Arab-Israeli press the democratic will of the Irish people ments in Britain and America in support of war. Israel seizes 77% of mandate expressed in the 1918 election. Irish independence. Palestine and expels 700,000 The War of Independence against this This proud tradition of the Irish labour Palestinians. occupation was to last until 1921. movement is now reflected in its staunch 1958 Irish Foreign Minister, Frank Aiken, The Irish labour movement played a cru- support for the rights of the Palestinian causes a sensation at the UN with a call cial role in these events. The combined people to self-determination and to the for an end to Israeli expansion, a compre- hensive peace and the right of return of labour and trade union leadership had peaceful establishment of a state within the Palestinian refugees. decided not to contest the 1918 election so 1967 lines. as to allow a clear vote for independence. It fully supports the call for Ireland to 1964 Founding of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO). But Labour did not stand aside. Labour vote for Palestinian UN membership in Party leader Tom Johnson (Labour Party) September this year. 1967 Six-Day Arab-Israeli War, leading to and Cathal O’Shannon (ITGWU – forerunner Since the troubles began in Palestine with Israeli occupation of Golan Heights, Gaza, the mass immigration of settlers under the the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. of SIPTU) travelled to the first post-war Planting of settlers in occupied territories begins.

1967 UN Security Resolution 242 demands Israel withdraw from occupied peace, a Palestinian state within the 2008-09 Operation Cast Lead territories and return to original bound- 1967 lines and the right of return of kills 1,500 people in the Gaza aries. Two million Palestinian refugees refugees. Strip. living in camps. Ireland emerges as a strong advocate at the UN for a settlement 1988 PLO accepts UN resolutions 181, 2011With Palestine still under along the pre-1967 lines. 242 and 338, recognises Israel and severe military occupation, and declares a State within the 1967 line, on Jewish settlements continuing, 1980 Irish Foreign Minister, Brian just 22% of the former Palestine home- PLO launches international cam- Lenihan, issues the ‘Bahrain Declaration’, land. paign for UN membership of recognising the PLO and making Ireland Palestinian State within the the first EEC member state to support the 2002 Israel begins building a fortified 1967 borders. Campaign Palestinian right to statehood. 10 metre high “separation barrier” supported by all parties (Fatah, through and around the West Bank, pro- Hamas, Independents, Trade 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, PLO tecting Israeli settlements and imprison- Unions). evacuated from Beirut. Massacre of Sabra ing the Palestinian population. and Shatila. 2006 Illegal Israeli settlers in the West 1987 EEC adopts the Irish stance on Bank and East Jerusalem now number Palestine, supporting a comprehensive 500,000. Liberty 29 International JULY 2011 Gaza blockade runners vow to continue fight

By Kevin Squires ed in highlighting the ongoing have extended to the West Bank. Parliament) – are serving only Liberation Organisation’s “state- siege of Gaza, which – according Hundreds of activists taking part to show the desperation of the hood recognition” plan. THE Greek government scuppered to Amnesty International – in the Welcome to Palestine ‘flytil- Israeli state as it attempts to This plan – against which Israel this year’s Gaza Freedom Flotilla despite a very limited easing, has la’ were prevented from entering subdue Palestinian and interna- is lobbying fiercely – aims at stopping ships setting sail earlier shown “few signs of real improve- Palestine via Tel Aviv airport (to tional civil society resistance to its achieving UN recognition of a this month on a humanitarian ment on the ground” while “the visit the West Bank, one must apartheid policies. Palestinian state based on Israel voyage to the illegally-blockaded foundations of the illegal blockade enter via Israel). While EU and other western receding to its pre-1967 borders. Palestinian territory. [remain] intact.” Scandalously, many were even governments appear happy to lend Yet it remains unclear if this plan Flotilla organisers claim Greece However, it is not just in Gaza prevented from leaving their both overt and tacit legitimacy to will succeed, or indeed, if it will took the decision after coming that the situation remains home airports after airlines bowed this serial human rights abusing even get to the UN, as the US and under intense diplomatic and appalling. Evictions of to Israeli pressure. state, ordinary people from every Israel work against it. economic pressure from the US Palestinians, home demolitions, These actions – along with the corner of the globe are showing Regarding statehood, it is impor- and Israel. mass arrests, military brutality recent killings of scores of they will not stand idly. tant to remember the words of the Palestinian Boycott National The Greek ban, at the start of and continued building of illegal unarmed protesters on Israel’s The political elites of the inter- Committee (representing more July, came after two boats, includ- Israeli settlements continue apace Syrian, Lebanese and Gazan bor- national community will have a ing the Irish MV Saoirse – on than 180 civil society groups), in the occupied West Bank and ders, and increasingly racist and chance to support the creation of which SIPTU official Mags O’Brien which has stated that “recognition East Jerusalem. repressive laws being passed by a Palestinian state in September, was a passenger – were sabotaged of Palestinian statehood is insuffi- Indeed, the blockade seems to the Knesset (the Israeli as the UN votes on the Palestinian while still in port in late June. cient, on its own, for ending Almost identical sabotage was discovered on the Greek- Scandinavian vessel Juliano, Freedom Flotilla docked hundreds of miles away, which Irish Ship To Gaza (ISTG) scored public spokesperson Laurence Davis described as “beyond coinci- opinion victories dence”. Despite this serious setback, despite sabotage flotilla organisers vowed to con- tinue their activities until the & failure to sail siege of Gaza has ended and Palestinians are granted unimped- Israel’s occupation and colonial ed access to international waters rule. It will not end Israel’s sys- and airspace, in conformity with tem of legalised discrimination, international law. which fits the UN definition of Following his return to Ireland, apartheid, or allow the millions of ISTG co-ordinator Fintan Lane Palestinian refugees return home”. told a packed meeting in Liberty In this regard, SIPTU official Hall that “the Saoirse will sail to Mags O’Brien told Liberty: “Just Gaza”, and that despite the failure like with South African apartheid, to embark, the flotilla movement it is vital that Irish people, not had scored “important public least trade unionists, work to opinion victories”. build the boycott, divestment and Indeed, while Israel may have sanctions movement as a way of halted the flotilla’s departure, the applying pressure on the Israeli media war was emphatically won state to end its occupation and by the Palestine solidarity move- comply with international law.” ment. Without even reaching interna- tional waters, the flotilla succeed- Show of solidarity: SIPTU official Mags O’Brien with Irish Ship To Gaza co-ordinator Fintan Lane Picture: Photocall Ireland A truly inspiring group of people “MY decision to travel was not the damage could not be fixed in taken lightly, but having wit- time for us to join the flotilla. nessed the treatment of SIPTU official Mags O’Brien gives a personal account On Thursday most of us head- Palestinians in the West Bank, ed back to Dublin. and knowing that in Gaza condi- of the MV Saoirse’s attempt to sail to the Gaza Strip Again more emotional scenes tions are much worse, I felt that at Dublin Airport as I said good- I had to, in some small way, raise bye to the guys who were travel- Hearne and Pat Fitzgerald from situation. Shane and Fintan with the boat and Tuesday night awareness of the abuse of ling North and to Waterford and Waterford at Manchester Airport. returned on Sunday and it was difficult and emotionally human rights in Palestine. Wexford. We joined the rest of the group became ever more apparent that charged for us all, as at that stage So having said goodbye to I am still so sad that I was in the port of Gocek on Thursday there would be more delays. we did not know if the damage friends and relatives in Dublin, I unable to travel to Gaza, but glad night, expecting to sail on Many of us were concerned was reparable or not. flew to Manchester on that by our mission we raised Saturday. that the longer we were delayed, We were already aware of the Wednesday, 22nd June. awareness of the issues. Unfortunately from Friday it the more anxious our loved ones problems with other boats so it Needless to say friends and I am so glad that I met a truly became apparent that there was would be and as we were all self- came as no surprise to us when family, while supportive, were inspiring group of people who slippage and consequently Shane financing, it also meant that the we were told that our lovely very apprehensive about my wel- will be forever my friends.” Hogan and Fintan Lane were trip was becoming more costly. Saoirse had been sabotaged. We fare. I flew out to Turkey on called to a meeting in Athens on On Monday, we were aware were still hopeful, but then dev- Thursday and was delighted to Saturday for an update on the that there was something amiss astated, when we were told that meet fellow Saoirse crew John 30 Liberty JULY 2011 News

Joe Cullen wins Gold at Special Olympics World Games in Athens

Joe won the medal in the 100mts Individual ing, and what a welcome they gave him. Medley, and his coach Pat O'Malley says she was absolutely delighted for Joe and his family on his achievement. This brings it Well done Joe home to other athletes in Splashin’Penguins swimming club that we can teach and train we are all proud world class swimmers. All of Joe's col- leagues in the Club were thrilled and a of you! Joe Cullen party was held for him on his home com-

Film festival celebrates Cuba’s 50 years freedom from scourge of illiteracy

CUBA Support Group Ireland has by teaching millions how to read Now, in recognition of the inter- teamed up with Progressive Film and write. est in urban gardening, Cuba's Club to hold the second annual CSGI National Coordinator Simon experience finally comes to the Cuban Film Day on 23rd July in McGuiness said: “Without literacy capital. Could Dublin in years to The New Theatre, (behind Connolly skills human beings are slaves to come be able to match Havana's Books), Essex Street, from ignorance and exploitation. This world beating production of organic 11.30am to 5.45pm. Admission is film shows where it all began and fruit and vegetables? free and all are welcome. how it changed the lives of those Simon McGuinness added: “If it The highlight of this year's who experienced it.” does, it will be some achievement. event – given that 2011 is the 50th The unprecedented success of Currently 90% of Havana's fresh anniversary of Cuba’s literacy proj- the Cuban Revolution in putting an fruit and vegetables is grown ect – has got to be a short docu- end to illiteracy in just one year organically in Havana. In Cuba, mentary, Maestra, highlighting the has been sustained and even revolution's early success ending improved on – in fact, Cuba has 'food miles' are measured in paces. illiteracy. recently been rated "the most liter- This seminal US film uncovers This success has been built on ate nation on Earth" by UNESCO. why.” in recent years by Cuba exporting The ever popular The Power of And then there is the heartwarm- its ‘Yo Si Pudre’ – or Yes I Can – lit- Community: How Cuba Survived ingly beautiful Viva Cuba. So eracy training programme to 25 Peak Oil has also made the pro- much to see, so little time … countries around the world, includ- gramme this year, having toured To hell with recession, plan your ing Spain and New Zealand. the country at Organic Farmer and escape for just one day: visit Cuba Cuba now exports its dedication Transition Towns events in town through the magic of film. Even if to increasing access to information halls across Ireland. it's not raining. CUBAN FILM DAY Saturday 23rd July, The New Theatre, Essex Street, Dublin 11.30am - 5.45pm ADMISSION FREE!

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Liberty 31 Obituaries JULY 2011

OBITUARY Kader Asmal Joe Cullen wins Gold at Lawyer and fearless civil rights crusader Special Olympics World KADER Asmal, who died on 22nd lation of the Apartheid regime. June, did great service to his Kader also put his enormous native South Africa, and also to legal expertise at the service of the this country, where he spent 27 unions. Games in Athens years of his life. Always ready to help with legal He arrived here in 1963 to take advice, he helped a number of up a position teaching law at craft unions rewrite their rule Trinity College, and almost imme- books, and became the unofficial diately set about organising the legal advisor to many trade Irish Anti-Apartheid Movement unions. (IAAM). Kader was involved in Irish life The IAAM became, in time, one in many ways and was a founder of the most effective solidarity of the Irish Council of Civil organisations anywhere. Liberties, reflecting a commitment Its committee included mem- to civil rights which he main- bers of all political parties – from tained, even when it led him into Sinn Féin to Fine Gael – probably disagreement with his own gov- Kadar only Kader could have kept such a Asmal ernment. diverse group together. The trade unions came to sup- Along with Albie Sachs, now a Eric Fleming and Sam Nolan of the judge of the Supreme Court in Dublin Council of Trade Unions signing port the campaigns of the IAAM, the book of condolences for Kader Asmal in particular for the boycott of South Africa, he prepared the first at the South African Embassy in Dublin South African goods. draft of the South African The strike in Dunne's Stores in Constitution, in his house in 1984 began when members of Dublin. THE Dublin Council of Trade ness and for his tireless work in at ministerial level in the new Mandate implemented their As a member of the national Unions sent a message of sym- organising opposition to the most South African government to union's policy not to handle South executive committee of the ANC, pathy to Kader Asmal’s wife and anti-democratic and anti-humane improve the lives of ordinary peo- African produce, and refused to and as a member of the govern- family. system imposed by a state on the ple who have generations of exclu- sell Outspan oranges. ment, he had a leading It read: “We wish to extend to majority of its citizens. sion and poverty to overcome. It only ended three years later, role in the establishment of the you Louise and your sons Rafiq “In expressing our sympathy, we “He will be missed by his many when the government halted new non-racial Republic of South and Adam our deepest sympathy also recognise the sterling role friend and comrades, but having imports from South Africa. Africa. on the death of Kader. that you, Louise, played at his passed on he has left the world a The strike had an international He also had a deep and lasting “Many trade unions members in side. better place than he found it.” impact and helped secure the iso- impact on Ireland. Ireland remember him with fond- “ We salute the efforts he made

OBITUARY Des Corish Farewell to a much-loved son of Wexford 'HELLO, I MUST BE GOING'. quenters of the old Oak Bar and Johnstown Castle, but it wasn't involved in on the national politi- Fitting last words at the funeral of many friends from Wexford Light long until he and his family were cal stage, and he himself was Des Corish, a master of quip. He Opera Society. living in Clontarf as Des worked Assistant National Organiser for didn't mind at all that one of his In his homily, his life-long for the Irish Union of Distributive the Labour Party in 1951. catchphrases was also shared by friend Fr John O'Brien spoke Workers and Clerks. Des served on both Wexford the late great Groucho Marx. warmly about how Des had His daughter, Carmel, recalls a Corporation and Wexford County Friends cried and smiled in cajoled him into joining Wexford love-filled childhood in Dublin Council, and in 1973 he took up equal measure as final tributes Light Opera Society in the 1960s. with her daddy and late mother, the mantle his father once held were paid to the former Mayor of He also remembered how Des' Eileen for a record-breaking time becom- Wexford on 7th June. last role with the society was in She recalls them returning to ing Mayor of Wexford. It was a It was a civic funeral and the 1995, when he magnificently por- her father's “beloved Wexford” role later reprised by his daughter full complement of Wexford trayed Mr Murdoch in Brigadoon. where they opened up The Oak Helen. Borough Council sat at the head of Des' life extended beyond the Des Corish Bar (more commonly known as After selling his pub, Des went the chapel opposite Des' grieving realms of music and WLOS. the Tower Bar), where sing-songs back to championing the rights of children Helen, Carmel, Peter and As brother to the late former one was a tenet that defined Des were a speciality – especially dur- workers as a union official for the Des Jnr and their families. Tánaiste Brendan Corish, he was Corish. He championed the cause ing opera festival time. ITGWU (SIPTU) and the current Rowe Street Church was filled part of a unique Wexford political of the less well off and reminded Adjacent to the old Corish General President of SIPTU Jack with Des' greater extended 'family' dynasty. His father, the late his children that they “must repre- Memorial Hall, the pub was a per- O'Connor attended Des' removal – the people he touched through Richard Corish, was Mayor of sent people who have no clout”. fect pitch where Des could marry from Wexford General Hospital. the many causes he championed, Wexford for 25 years and a TD Born in 1925, Des was hugely his love for music and the nearby Also present was Des' friend and organisations he joined, and pro- from 1925 to 1945, his brother influenced by his father – and the Theatre Royal with his trade Labour Party colleague Minister fessions he held. was Leader of the Labour Party. influence his father had exerted union and Labour Party strong- Brendan Howlin. Peppered throughout the large The Starry Plough draped his during the 1911 Lockout in hold on the threshold. Des Corish died on Saturday, 4th gathering were trade unionists, coffin – a nod to his life-long Pierce's. He started out working Des supported his brother June, 2011. members of the Labour Party, fre- socialist ideals. Equality for every- life as a laboratory assistant in Brendan in everything he was Anne Marie O’Connor

A member, applying on his/her own behalf or on behalf of his/her EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SCHEME child/children, must have at least one year’s membership of the Union and MEMBERS IN FURTHER EDUCATION GAELTACHT AWARDS FOR be in benefit when both the application The scheme will offer up to MEMBERS’ CHILDREN and the payments are made. ten awards each year. Up to twenty-five awards will be made each year for the children of members to Application forms and further SECOND-LEVEL AWARDS FOR cover the cost of their participation information available from your Sector MEMBERS AND FOR MEMBERS’ CHILDREN (accommodation and tuition fees) in a Organiser. Up to thirty awards will be made each Gaeltacht course under the scheme year to second-level students to cover operated jointly by SIPTU and Gael Linn. Closing date for receipt of completed the senior cycle (the two years up to applications is 30th September, 2011 the Leaving Certificate). (for awards 2011/2012).