Irish Cement 150 years of the Colombia: a time strike success Fire Brigade for peace Page 4 Page 6-7 Page 26-27

Vol. 11 No.5 June 2012 ISSN 0791-458X Ryanair’s Howlin grab for slates €1 billion Aer Lingus ESRI on fund jobs By Scott Millar SIPTU has called on the Government to block an By Frank Connolly attempt by Ryanair to pur- chase Aer Lingus and take report by the state funded control of the airline’s €1 Economic and Social Research billion in cash reserves. Institute (ESRI) which oppos- SIPTU Aviation Organiser, Teresa A es trade union and other calls Hannick, said that it is the third for urgent investment in jobs and time since 2006 that Ryanair has growth, has been slated by the attempted a hostile takeover of Aer Minister for Public Expenditure and Lingus. The previous attempts were Reform, . The Labour rejected by the European Party minister, who has been vocal in Commission on competition grounds. government in his support for a jobs Hannick said; “It is vital that the stimulus through investment in badly Government use its 25% share-hold- needed infrastructural projects, said ing to prevent any hostile takeover that every option to tackle the unem- of the airline. It would be madness ployment problem must be consid- Firefighter Dave Brunson for any government to put Michael ered. with ‘junior officer’ Jack O’Leary and Ryanair in control of The ESRI economists argued against a O’Gorman, aged three at our air links with the outside domestic jobs stimulus while projecting lower world. growth prospects for the economy next year. the celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of “A takeover would also allow “Academic research is one thing but the Ryanair to use a virtual monopoly social imperative of getting people back to the Dublin Fire Brigade control to raise airline prices to pre- work is another and is far more important in on Saturday 2nd June mium levels. Amazingly it would the current climate,” Howlin said in response page 6-7 also result in Ryanair having access to its latest Quarterly Economic Commentary to almost €1 billion in cash released by the ESRI on Monday (18th June). reserves held by Aer Lingus for a His comments were echoed by SIPTU purchase price of less than 700 President, Jack O’Connor, who described the € ESRI as cheer leaders for the ‘slash and burn’ Agency million.” agenda that is continuing to destroy the qual- On the issue of why Ryanair ity of life, jobs and incomes of workers across Support workers rights owner Michael O’Leary has decided Europe. to make another bid for Aer Lingus, page 22-23 “Anyone who argues against a jobs stimulus Quality, Hannick said; “There is a view that in our current difficult circumstances is living the recent announcement by the on another planet,” Jack O’Connor said. Office of Fair Trading in the UK that He said that the ESRI argument against a Support Jobs it intends to refer Ryanair’s minori- domestic stimulus is consistent with its ty stake in Aer Lingus to the endorsement over several years of an ‘inter- in Competition Commission for fur- nal deflation’ agenda and particularly its page 15-18 ther investigation over competition emphasis on driving down the price of

Continued on page 2 Continued on page 2

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

In this month’s Liberty

Workplace Committee: Contract Cleaners Page 8

President Michael D and Sabina Higgins with Aung San Suu Kyi (left) and members of the Burmese community greeting her at Grand Canal Theatre on Monday, 18th June. Photos: Photocall NEC Profiles Page 10 1600 jobs at stake as CE cuts bite in Galway UTS to the Community An Open Day to highlight the cru- public representatives to attend and Employment (CE) cial work undertaken by CE will be seeking their full support for schemes across Galway Schemes in Galway city and county the restoration of funding and pro- will take place on Monday, 25th tection of services.” Investment city and county could June, between 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 Diane Jackson called on people to Cresult in the loss of 1600 p.m. at St Joseph’s Community attend the Open Day and show their Programme jobs, SIPTU Organiser, Diane Page 12-13 Centre, Shantalla, Galway. support for workers in the commu- Jackson has warned. Peter Connolly, who is a CE nity sector. “Hundreds of jobs and key servic- Worker employed by the Shantalla “Community workers are organis- es to the vulnerable and disadvan- Development Company explained; ing through SIPTU to fight for the taged are on the line unless there is “We are holding this Open Day future of these services and this a change in government policies in because our communities cannot action is one of many taking place Liberty View relation to CE funding,” Jackson afford to lose these vital services or right across the state in defence of jobs. We have invited all of our local CE schemes.” Page 14 Liberty said. View Bord Na Móna workers to escalate industrial action HE Bord Na Móna day stoppage last week. ingful. Group of Unions has “As the company ignored the one “The company has said it is avail- decided to escalate day stoppage on 5th June we were able for clarifications but the Home Helps rally its industrial action left with no choice but to escalate unions are fully au fait with the for justice T with a two day stop- to a two day action,” the chairman deal on offer and clarifications are page on 27th and 28th June. of the group of unions, Oliver not necessary at this time. Page 19 The Group held discussions in McDonagh of SIPTU, said after the Discussions must bring about Tullamore, county Offaly on meeting. improvements to the offer on the Monday, 11th June, during which He added that the Group of table and not simply clarify its the group of unions assessed the Unions was available for discus- detail,” he said. impact and response to the one Syriza: a new force sions but that talks must be mean- on the European Left Page 25 Continued from page 1 - Ryanair’s grab for €1 billion Aer Lingus fund concerns may be one motivation Government and shareholders to “Our members see this offer as bad behind this current bid. reject this offer outright and vigor- for the Irish aviation industry, bad Hannick added; “SIPTU members ously block any attempt by Ryanair for the airline company, bad for the in the airline are calling on the to purchase Aer Lingus. travelling public and bad for the Racism in football workers in Aer Lingus.” Page 30 Continued from page 1 - Howlin slates ESRI on jobs labour. ESRI claim that a large portion of jobs. “This policy is not only unfair any stimulus investment would go The in that it forces working people to directly into the purchase of invest- take the brunt of the economic imports. ment, the crisis but it is also patently not “It is a proven fact that the proposals working. The key to the future is import content of construction proj- suggest, job creation and growth for with- ects is only about 20% contrary to would out these we cannot look to a what the ESRI claims,” he said. come from Minister, future that offers a better quality Congress and SIPTU have a combina- Brendan Howlin of life for workers, the unem- released comprehensive propos- tion of Liberty is dedicated to providing a platform for progressive news and views. ployed and their children. The als, which have been discussed sources including the European recent election of the Socialist with Howlin and his cabinet col- Investment Bank, the National If you have any ideas for articles or comments please contact: communcationsdepartment@.ie president, Francois Hollande, and leagues, and which envisage rais- Pension Reserve Fund, the com- other political trends suggest that ing more than £10 billion over mercial semi-states and from Liberty is published by the Services, Industrial, Professional & Technical Union, people across Europe are opposed three years for investment in leveraging a portion of the more , Dublin 1 to the slash and burn, one sided essential road, rail, broadband, than €80 billion held by private SIPTU General President, Jack O’Connor • Vice President, • austerity, agenda. ” health and education projects in Irish pension funds in return for a General Secretary, Joe O’Flynn He also rejected as inaccurate an order to generate good quality rebate of the pension levy. Production: SIPTU Communications Department, Liberty Hall, Dublin 1, Tel: 01 8588217 • Email: [email protected] SIPTU Head of Communications, Frank Connolly • Journalist: Scott Millar • Design: Sonia Slevin (SIPTU) & Joe Mitchell (Brazier Media) • Advertise in Liberty Publications Assistant, Deirdre Price • Administrative Assistant, Karen Hackett To advertise in Liberty, contact the Communications Department on 01 858 6372 or email communica- Produced, designed, edited and printed by trade union labour [email protected] • Liberty offers very competitive rates for advertisements which reach SIPTU Printed and distributed by The Irish Times, City West, Dublin. members countrywide Liberty 3 News JUNE 2012

Irish Rugby international Shane Horgan carries the Olympic Flame on the torch relay leg past Liberty Hall in Dublin on Thursday, 7th June. Photo: Jenny Coulahan

THE International Olympic He told Liberty: “The symbol- ers’ rights in the Olympic Charter poverty pay, forced overtime, the Committee must ensure ism of the Olympic torch – and Code of Ethics, Joyce pointed repeated use of short-term con- All fired that all workers involved in respect, excellence and friend- to evidence from both the London tracts to deny workers legal enti- delivering the London ship – also provides an opportuni- 2012 and Beijing 2008 Games that tlements, and workers being too ty for us to demand an Olympics workers making Olympic-branded Games have their rights frightened to join a union, for respected. that respects the human rights of goods and sportswear continue to up over fear of losing their jobs.” Congress Equality Officer David all workers who help to make the be exploited. Joyce made the call as the Games possible.” “There is systematic and wide- You can take action online at: Olympic torch relay reached Calling on the IOC to include spread exploitation of workers in http://www.playfair2012.org.uk/ rights... Dublin on 6th June. the principle of respect for work- sportswear factories, including what-you-can-do/

It’s all smiles as Vita Cortex workers end 161-day sit-in

Group hug: Vita Cortex workers after hearing of settlement to the dispute. Photo: Irish Examiner

HE Vita Cortex work- “I hope the Vita Cortex dispute ers left the compa- will be an example to other workers Domestic worker ny’s plant on the that if you stay together and never protest Dublin on Saturday 16th Kinsale Road in give up justice can be achieved.” June. Photo: Bryan T for the last time just Among those who left the plant Meade before 3.00 p.m. on Thursday, for the last time was SIPTU shop 24th May, bringing to an end steward Sean Kelleher, a Vita Cortex their 161-day occupation of employee for 47 years. the facility. He said: “Five months was a very Call on Government to ratify ILO Convention The move followed the payment long time but I’m just glad that we by the company to the workers of workers on the ILO agenda. organised by the International Trade never decided to walk away. ROM Ireland to the monies agreed as a final and just Mariaam Bhatti, a migrant Union Confederation (ITUC) to get “The workers wish to thank their Saudi Arabia to settlement to the long-running dis- domestic worker and activist with 12 countries to ratify the conven- union, SIPTU, for its support and Colombia, millions pute. SIPTU Manufacturing Division of domestic workers the Domestic Workers Action Group tion in 2012. Uruguay was the first hard work in achieving this positive Organiser, Gerry McCormack, told marked the first (DWAG) said; "Many domestic work- to ratify this year. The Irish govern- Liberty: “The conclusion of the sit-in result. F anniversary of the adoption ers across the world are suffering in ment voted in favour of the conven- at the Vita Cortex plant was a great “They also wish to thank the of the UN International silence and have no voice. We are tion last year but has yet to commit relief for the workers and their fam- people of Cork, and further afield, calling on the Irish government to to ratifying it into Irish law. ilies. It also brings to an end the Labour Organisation (ILO) for their solidarity throughout this Convention 189 on decent act now and show leadership. We In recent years, MRCI has uncov- longest sit-in by workers in recent dispute.” need them to commit to ratifying ered over forty cases of modern day Irish industrial relations history.” work for domestic workers The workers were invited by the convention and to support put- slavery and domestic servitude in SIPTU Organiser, Anne Egar, on Saturday, 16th June. Christy Moore to his concert at the added: “The satisfactory conclusion Approximately 100 million ting an end to the slavery and abuse Ireland. These include a marked of the Vita Cortex dispute comes as Marquee in Cork on Saturday 23rd domestic workers worldwide won of domestic workers around the increase in the exploitation of a result of the great resolution and June, to celebrate the successful out- international recognition when world". domestic workers employed by determination shown on the part of come of their long campaign for fair C189 was adopted after a 63-year The call to action is part of an embassies and diplomatic staff in the 23 workers involved. redundancy payments. battle to get rights for domestic international campaign, ‘12 in 12' Ireland. 4 Liberty JUNE 2012 News Member’s equality appeal success By Rachel Ryan THE first ever Labour Court from her employer’s income applied to them. The employer, In upholding the decision of the hearing of an equality appeal continuance plan, while she was represented by IBEC, at first argued Equality Tribunal, the Labour under the Pensions Acts has off work due to illness. that there was no jurisdiction for Court held that the member’s pay- ruled in favour of a SIPTU The calculation used in working the case as they claimed income ments from the plan be levelled up member. out the plan’s payment rate continuance plans were not cov- to that which it would have been if She was represented by the assumed she was married and ered by the Pensions Acts. the calculation for single persons union’s Membership, Information would receive a social welfare pay- However, SIPTU successfully were used. and Support Centre (MISC) at the ment in respect of her husband, argued that the definition of “occu- The Court also noted that the hearing. regardless of whether she was or pational benefits” covering “sickness employer had changed its scheme The case concerned whether the not. and was using the single person’s This meant that she got less than or invalidity” under the Pensions member had been discriminated Acts was broad enough to encompass calculation for all its members against because of her marital sta- a single person – as the same calcu- since the original hearing by the tus over payments made to her lation would not have been income continuance plans. Equality Tribunal. Strike ballot follows assets transfer move

A BALLOT for industrial action of SIPTU members employed in local authori- ty water services com- menced on Monday, 18th June, and will conclude on Friday, 6th July. The ballot is in response to a decision by the Department of Irish Cement workers picket the Environment to begin the shareholders’ meeting prior to transfer of water service assets the resolution of the dispute and SIPTU members’ duties to Bord Gáis and sub-contractor companies. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Michael Wall, said: “Contrary to Irish Cement strike success all assurances given previously, the Department of the RISH Cement workers Karan O'Loughlin, told Liberty; “The ing of pickets at the plants on 17th Pickets were placed on the Environment is proceeding with voted on Thursday, 17th workers voted by a large majority to May. entrances to Irish Cement Ltd plants the transfer of assets and work May, to accept proposals accept the proposals agreed between Karan O'Loughlin added: “The on 3rd April following a decision to in the water services to an out- brokered between com- worker representatives and the com- efficient and professional manner in take industrial action by the Irish side agency and private contrac- Ipany and worker representa- pany following a mediation process which the mediation talks were Cement Group of Unions, which tors. tives – an equitable conclu- overseen by an independent chair- overseen by Joe McDermott, in his includes SIPTU, TEEU and Unite. “No discussions have taken sion to a dispute at two plants man. role as an independent chairman, The dispute arose from the com- place, no forum for consultation in Castlemungret, county “The implementation of these was pivotal in resolving this dispute. pany’s failure to honour a Labour has been established and no proposals will result in the workers “The agreement, which contains Court recommendation concerning , and Platin, county being paid the monies which the procedural commitments on future the payment of monies, amounting assurances concerning future Meath. terms and conditions of employ- company owes to them.” engagements between the company to between €5,500 to €9,500 per Irish Cement Group of Unions The workers returned to work on and worker representatives, will be worker. ment have been given to work- Secretary and SIPTU Organiser, ers who have provided a profes- Monday, 21st May, following the lift- registered with the Labour Court.” sional service to the Irish public for generations.” He added: “A ballot for indus- trial action, including strike action, was demanded by SIPTU Fall in retail pay revealed members at a series of regional meetings across the country NEW research shows that 39% examine proposed changes to JLC that Ireland’s labour market crisis held to discuss the Department of members have and REA wage-setting mechanisms will not be solved with a ‘more jobs of Environment’s behaviour.” and the implementation of the EU at any cost’ strategy. We need to look SIPTU has 2,500 members experienced an average €109 Directive on part-time working. at the quality of jobs that are being employed in local authority per week fall in take home The research shows that the created. Otherwise, we will just water services, which include falling wages are driven primarily by increase the number of working caretakers, network staff, pay over the last year. cuts in the working hours of retail poor.” plumbers and inspectors. The report – Decent Work? The workers as well as increased taxes Mandate represents more than The result of the ballot will be Impact of the Recession on Low Paid and levies. 45,000 workers in the retail trade. announced on Monday, 9th July. John Douglas Workers – launched in May states Mandate General Secretary, John The full report is available at; that the Government needs to re- Douglas, said: “This research shows www.mandate.ie Liberty 5 News JUNE 2012

Pfizer confirms no job losses at Cork plants during 2012 IT HAS been confirmed “We understand that the compa- es result from the expiry of the at the Ringaskiddy Plant.” that there will be no job ny is preparing to reduce the work- patent on the drug Lipitor, which is He added: “At our meeting losses this year at the force in Ringaskiddy by 129 and produced at the Little Island plant, SIPTU received confirmation from Carlos Pfizer production plants in Little Island by 46. These job loss- and dramatically reduced volumes the management of Pfizer that in Lozano Ringaskiddy and Little line with an existing agreement any proposed job losses will not Island in county Cork. occur during 2012. The confirmation follows a “This provides us with a period meeting between SIPTU represen- of time to engage with Pfizer to $200k tatives and Pfizer management on explore all avenues to reduce the Wednesday, 6th June, actual number of job losses. SIPTU Pharmaceutical, “Pfizer is a key employer in the murder Chemical and Medical Devices Cork region and the union will be Sector Organiser, Alan O’Leary, seeking support from all stake- told Liberty: “SIPTU representa- holders, including the contract tives met with the company fol- Government, to retain as many lowing staff briefings at which the jobs as possible at both plants.” management of Pfizer outlined SIPTU represents 356 workers at put on the details and extent of planned the Ringaskiddy and Little Island activist job losses. production plants. UNDER-THREAT Colombian peace activist Carlos Lozano has claimed a right- Long-term unemployment wing paramilitary group has put a $200,000 contract on his life. Lozano, a member of the has to be our top priority Colombians for Peace organisa- tion, was a part of a delegation that visited Ireland and spoke at Liberty Hall last month. The latest threat comes only weeks after Lozano’s bodyguard of eight years was murdered, and fol- lows a series of threats to col- leagues who form part of a mass movement for peace across the country. It is understood the contract was put up by the Urabeno para- miliary group and directed at hired assassins – known as ‘sicar- ios’ – to kill Lozano as soon as possible. Although Lozano, who is a hold- IPTU has called for the SIPTU economist, , “The figures also point to an even er of the French Legion d’hon- highest priority to be said: “The growing problem of long- larger employment crisis than the neur and editor of Vox newspa- given to tackling long- term unemployment is the biggest headline figure of 14.8% of the work- per, has requested the state pro- term unemployment. issue which emerges from the CSO force out of work suggests with a vides him with additional protec- It comes as Central figures. large jump in the numbers claiming tion, the National Protection Unit S “We have already seen an increase to be in part-time work but under- has so far refused to take any Statistics Office data revealed the percentage of those out of in the numbers signing on for 12 employed.” action to improve his security. months or longer on the live register. Marie Sherlock added: “It is now SIPTU economist Marie work for 12 months or more Several members of Colombians Sherlock has called for However, the figures confirm the more important than ever that all for Peace, including the group’s major investment in job has increased from 7.8% of the enormity of the problem with more stakeholders in Irish society priori- leader Piedad Cordoba, have been creation workforce in 2011 to 8.9% in than 60% of those out of work being tise investment plans which seek to targeted for assassination recently, the first quarter of 2012. without a job for a year or longer. maximise job creation.” A group of killers planned to fire an anti-tank missile at her. Lozano, a member of the Democratic Pole political party, is also a key figure in Patriotic March, a social movement that aims to Staff crucial to success revitalise politics in Colombia and put the war-ravaged country back on the path to peace. After a large mobilisation at the of Ireland’s universities end of April, several members of the Patriotic March have been STAFF in Dublin City Liberty: “It is a credit to our mem- sionalism and dedication of the killed, threatened or disappeared. University, the University of bers who work in many different university staff. Colombians for Peace has been roles in these three universities that “I would, in particular, like to at the forefront of efforts to kick- Limerick and NUI Maynooth start a peace process in Colombia. have been congratulated for they were judged to be among the commend the work of the academ- Its delegation including Lozano their success in ensuring their world’s top educational institutions ic, research, technical, administra- visited Ireland and the UK last institutions were judged to be in the Times Higher Education tive, security, cleaning and catering month to learn about the peace among the world’s top 100 (THE) 100 Under 50 rankings.” staff of these universities. process in in a universities established with- She added: “For a university to be “The importance of their contri- bid to build support for a similar in the last 50 years. a successful place of learning bution to an educational institu- initiative in Colombia. See pages SIPTU Education Sector involves a number of factors. tion’s success is sometimes not 26-27 Organiser, Louise O’Reilly, told Essential among these is the profes- fully appreciated.” 6 Liberty JUNE 2012 150 years of Dublin Fire Brigade

This an extract from a speech by broadcaster Joe Duffy to mark the 150th anniversary of the Dublin Fire Brigade at Dublin Castle on Saturday, 2nd June, 2012 Responding to call of history

“JUST under one hundred And just as the sound, the rumble But most of all it is those who have years ago at dusk on a Tuesday and unmerciful roar that destroyed died in fires in Dublin that are to the evening across the River Liffey, that late summer night in September forefront of our minds – decrepit my grandmother, then 10 1913 was quickly followed by the social conditions and dangerous years of age, was in the Father urgent bells of the Dublin Fire buildings mean that Dubliners Matthew Hall playing with Brigade fire engines and the gallop- suffered more than many in the other children. ing-thunder of horse-drawn ambu- early years after your foundation. They heard a massive rumble that lances and steamers as help arrived And the names of those who died developed into a thunderous roar as and human endeavour prevailed from your ranks, should be remem- two tenement houses collapsed into over human tragedy – today your bered on this day – Brady, Burke, Church Street, killing seven of her siren sound still brings comfort and Doherty, Hearns, Heaney, Horgan, neighbours. aid to the suddenly afflicted. Kite, Nugent, Malone and McArdle. Two units of Dublin Fire Brigade Ironically, for a service that by its You will find those names not just and two ambulances were immedi- nature and call must live in the here on the roll call of the firefighters ately dispatched and took control of and urgent now, and where no call is who died on duty in this county – the rescue. A hundred minutes later unanswered, or no one is treated as similar names almost to a man can firefighter, Patrick Carberry, crawled, history, your work is very much part be found on the roll call of the fallen dug and manoeuvred his way into of the history of families, social firefighters of 9-11, where Irish the rubble to rescue a young boy. movements, tragedies and upheavals names like those I have just men- in this capital. tioned or those in our number here Carberry later said: “Every minute comprise 105 of the 343 New York we thought we were done for as we firefighters who died saving the liv- were nearly dead from keeping up all ing on that day. the weight of stuff crushing our ‘The social Reminding us that your profession backs. The rescue work continued is global, your calling is worldwide – for near 24 hours… by that time the history of your response always immediate distraught father of two of the vic- and local. tims had written a letter to the this city and Others such as the Stardust are Evening Telegraph where he pro- etched into all our hearts because of claimed his thanks to Dublin Fire county courses the tragedies therein which catapult- Brigade who during all their arduous ed vague locations into our national toil their only refreshment was cold through the pantheon of unimaginable tragedies. water, but if earnest thanks and That a member of Dublin Fire appreciation are any reward, I for story of Brigade, Jim McDermott, lost three one tender them to the fullest of his children – William, George and extent.” Dublin Fire Marcella – in that Valentine’s night Just over three years ago, I was blaze which killed 45 others remind- knocked down in an accident on Brigade’ ed Dubliners that you are part of Dublin’s Pearse Street and so became what we are, not only honourable another generation of the Duffy fam- public servants but you are our fel- ily to rely on, benefit from and be Even within ear shot of where we low citizens, neighbours, friends and grateful to the men and women of now stand in Dublin Castle, the relatives. Dublin Fire Brigade – which has silent ghostly memories of roaring Because as we stand here in the served the growing population of blazes and tragic disasters echo, as fading light of another day we know this region for six generations. do the frantic screams and the whis- not what the next day may bring – So this evening I have been asked pered pleas as help arrived. And the but we know in times of need, of to speak on behalf of the countless social history of this city and county which there will be many our pan- thousands whom you have directly courses through the story of Dublin icked call, our frantic plea, our whis- helped. Fire Brigade. pered cry will bring the women and By the time of the Church Street Not only are all these incidents men of Dublin Fire Brigade to our disaster in 1913, Dublin Fire Brigade and many more carved into the peo- aid, no matter the hour, no matter had been diligently serving the capi- ple’s history, but your endeavours Mooney and O’Brien, Powers Street, Hammond Lane, North the day. tal for just over 50 years – founded feature in the literature which has Distillery, CIE, Noyeks, Dockrells, Strand, Parnell Street, South Leinster But you all have many more miles just over a decade after the great made this part of the world so Guinness, The Irish Times, Street, South William Street, Pearse to travel, calls to answer and pledges famine – and now just under a cen- famous, as in James Joyce’s Ulysses McKenzies, Killeen paper mills, Street, Ballyboughal, Sackville Street to keep. May your journeys continue tury after Mr Sammon wrote to the where Lieutenant John Myers and Exide Batteries, Rowntrees and Todd and Place, Cuffe Street, GPO, Theatre to be life-saving, life-affirming and newspaper, we can honestly repeat Dublin Fire Brigade – who, by the Burns, have a different meaning for Royal, Abbey Theatre, Bohemian life-giving. Because we can safely say his words to the men and women of way, took charge of the rescue effort you, the scenes of major and danger- Cinema, Spa and Marine Hotels fea- you are the lifeblood of this city Dublin Fire Brigade…if earnest at the Church Street disaster – are ous conflagrations. ture in our history because of events where as far as your calling is con- thanks and appreciation are any both immortalised. Landmark buildings and places, inside – in your history because of cerned no one is history.” reward, we tender them to the full Household names like Jacob’s, the Custom House, Four Courts, the major incidents that you tackled Comhgairdeas, dea mhein, buio- extent. Arnotts, Kennedy’s Bakery, Johnston Dublin Castle, Trinity College, Green there. chas agus beir bua sibh go leir. Liberty 7 150 years of Dublin Fire Brigade JUNE 2012

Dublin Lord Mayor Andrew Montague Pride: Dublin leads 1898 Corporation Fire Brigade ambulance. colour party Parade marks brigade’s 150 years of service

By Brian Murray

DUBLIN Fire Brigade – “the fire and police departments from life blood of the city” – cele- Rockland, New York, Philadelphia, brated 150 years of service to Portland, Oregon, New Hampshire and Florida. the people of Dublin with a Ordinary Dubliners lined the colourful march through the streets clapping and cheering on the city centre on Saturday, 2nd marchers and bands. June. One onlooker said: “It’s clear The brigade’s glorious past was every firefighter, both in service and much on display as emergency vehi- retired, felt nothing but utter pride cles spanning the decades – includ- and admiration at taking part.” ing an 1898 Corporation On reaching Dublin Castle, the Ambulance, a restored 1921 Leyland marchers were addressed by Lord fire tender and a DFB rescue boat – Mayor, Andrew Montague and Chief formed part of the parade. Fire Officer, Stephen Brady. Veteran firefighters, now retired, Broadcaster Joe Duffy, who also joined ranks of serving officers as addressed the marchers, spoke in they marched from Parnell Square to glowing terms of the brigade’s proud Dublin Castle. Colleagues from across the history. Republic, Northern Ireland, He said: “May your journeys con- Netherlands and the US also took tinue to be life-saving, life-affirming part. and life-giving. Because we can safe- Dublin Fire Brigade’s own pipers ly say you are the life blood of this city where as far as your calling is The refurbished "Dublin Fire Department" Fire Appliance passes the GPO, Dublin, during a parade to and drummers were joined by a commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Dublin Fire Brigade on Saturday, 2nd June. number of US bands representing concerned, no one is history.”

Education & Development Support Scheme Members in Further Education Gaeltacht Awards for Members’ Children The scheme will offer up to ten Up to twenty-five awards will be made each year for awards each year. the children of members to cover the cost of their participation (accommodation and tuition fees) in a Application forms and further Second-Level Awards for Gaeltacht course under the scheme operated information available from Members and for jointly by SIPTU and Gael Linn. Members’ Children your Sector Organiser Up to thirty awards will be made A member, applying on his/her own behalf or each year to second-level on behalf of his/her child/children, must have Closing date for receipt of students to cover the senior cycle at least one year’s membership of the Union completed applications (the two years up to the and be in benefit when both the application 30th September, 2012 Leaving Certificate). and the payments are made. (for awards 2012/2013) 8 Liberty JUNE 2012 Workplace Committee Ensuring a Fair Deal for Cleaners HE outsourcing of held in Liberty Hall at the end of cleaning work in February. the country’s hospi- Martin said; “The training was important in telling you how you tals, schools and deal with management; how you offices has resulted can get things started. The commit- T in workers facing tee members meet with manage- greater uncertainty and inse- ment. The management has general- curity. Recognising this prob- ly been OK working with the union lem SIPTU has placed a high and we have been able to resolve all priority on assisting contract the problems so far.” He added; “The major problem cleaners to organise within with people committing to the com- the union. mittee is that some [migrant work- Among the workplaces organised, ers] are going home. However there as part of the SIPTU Fair Deal for are more and more people wanting Cleaners campaign, is Our Lady’s to join the union. People are aware Hospital for Sick Children Crumlin of how vulnerable they are on their in Dublin. The SIPTU organising own and they want to be in the campaign has resulted in the num- union.” ber of union members rising from Among those new members is 30% to over 70% among of the hospi- Mariusz Parvzez who joined the tal’s approximately 50 contract union in June. “I have been working cleaners. as a cleaner and joined the union Shop Steward, Martin Brennan, is because I believe it can make the job a member of the Crumlin Hospital a better one,” he said. cleaners’ workplace committee which has been in operation since late 2010. Fair Deal for Cleaners committee members: (L to “The main difference since we R) Marivsz Parvzez, Sarah organised in the union has been the Kinsella, Vanda Tatanasvili protection it has provided us. Our and Martin Brennan shifts can get changed, our days can get changed, all these things the management just wants to be able chance if they are in employment tant to be a member of a union. In to implement at the drop of a hat. and not in a union.” my own country I have always been They just want to change your hours Sarah said the major issues facing a member of a union,” she said. and don’t understand you have to the cleaners are attempts to cut “The main difference “The committee meets through- change crèche times or that. The wages and the unpredictable nature since we organised out the year. If a cleaner has any union gives us a level of protection of their working hours - “You don’t problems they can write to us or from that,” he said. know what hours you will get. in the union has speak to a committee member Martin’s colleague, Sarah Kinsella, When you come in in the morning directly,” Vanda said. joined the union when she started you don’t know what way it is going been the protection The newly formed workplace working in Crumlin Hospital last to be.” it has provided us.” committee “basically consists of the year. Sarah is adamant that any attempt five or six people who are most For more information She said; “It is very important to to reduce the €9.50 per hour pay active in the union,” according to on the Fair Deal for be in the union, particularly the way rate will be defeated. “On the Martin. things are at the moment; the money we are on at the moment, Earlier this year the committee Cleaners Campaign employers think that they have you just day to day living is a problem, members took part in a new organis- contact SIPTU over a barrel. ‘There are a lot of peo- there is no way it can be reduced.” in Ireland for the past six years. She ing training course which was con- ple out there looking for jobs,’ that The Crumlin Hospital cleaners serves alongside Martin on the ducted by SIPTU Organiser, Eira Tel: 01 858 6389 is what you regularly hear from the also include several migrant work- cleaners’ workplace committee. Gallagher, in the workplace. On e-mail: [email protected] employers. I have always been in a ers. Vanda Tatanasvili is from “I joined the union about two completion of this course the work- union. I don’t think people stand a . She has lived and worked years ago. It is of course very impor- ers attended a graduation ceremony

Croke Park review confirms importance of Agreement HE latest review of by the terms of the Agreement, could not have happened without having a damaging effect on the Howlin, also welcomed the review’s the Croke Park such reform and savings could not this Agreement. It should be noted, ability of our members to deliver findings agreement has con- have been made. quality services. He said; “Almost €900 million of “The review also confirms that sustainable pay and non-pay sav- firmed that signifi- “It is important to point out that a large proportion of the flexibility The big challenge for those workers at the lowest pay ings have been successfully deliv- cant reductions in and roster changes have been made levels across the public service have ered in the second year of the T pay roll and staff the next two years of contributed substantially to the Croke Park agreement. This means by our members at the lower pay numbers in the public serv- scales. These include the general the agreement is reforms in work practices to date the agreement has achieved almost ice have been achieved over operatives and support grades in through roster changes, redeploy- €1.5 billion in pay and on pay sav- the accelerated ings in its first two years. We the period from April 2011 to the local authorities and health ment, the extended working day and loss of allowances. They have should not lose sight of the fact May 2012. service that we represent. There implementation of have also been significant savings also suffered from the loss of regu- that the Croke Park agreement has A total of €819 million in annu- delivered by professional grades critical reform and lar, rostered over-time which, in enabled these savings to be deliv- alised pay roll and non- pay savings the majority of cases, is calculable ered in a climate of industrial has been delivered for the second which are also represented by change and to ensure SIPTU,” Patricia King said. for pension purposes. peace across the public service. year of the four year agreement. that the burden of such He added that the review provid- The report confirms that public “The big challenge for the next SIPTU Vice-President, Patricia ed strong evidence that, under the sector workers are continuing to transformation is shared two years of the agreement is the King, said that the review pub- Agreement, the public service is provide essential services despite accelerated implementation of criti- lished by the Implementation Body across all levels of the cal reform and change and to consistently "doing more with the significant drop in staff num- for the Public Service Agreement ensure that the burden of such less", as management, unions and bers by 17,300 over the past two public service 2010-2014 on Wednesday, 13th transformation is shared across all staff work together to implement years and an anticipated 11,500 June, indicated that significant sav- levels of the public service,” the fundamental changes that are ings have been achieved. more by 2015. Patricia King said. necessary to keep the public serv- She added that without the “These savings have been made however, that the moratorium on The Minister for Public ice functioning with far fewer staff industrial peace that was ensured on the basis of industrial peace and recruitment in the public service is Expenditure and Reform, Brendan and resources. Liberty 9 News JUNE 2012

Connolly ‘Internationalist and pragmatist’

IPTU General President, O’Connor in recognition of their Jack O’Connor, has efforts. described In his speech, Lawlor praised the as an internationalist bet- commitment shown by the local S ter known in revolu- union committee in restoring the tionary circles across Europe than memorial and in working with stu- other leaders of the 1916 Rising, dents from the Blanchardstown but noted that he was also a prag- Institute of Technology to create a gar- matist unafraid of compromise in den for patients. his trade union work. He also explained how the Connolly He made his comments in a bust was first placed in Connolly keynote address delivered at a recent Hospital. re-dedication of a limestone bust of “The bust was transported at speed the revolutionary at the James from the ITG&WU in Cork in the early Connolly Memorial Hospital in 1970s to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, Dublin. response to an attempt to change the Jack O’Connor said that the ability of the former acting general secretary hospital’s name. Thinking of of the ITGWU to reach a settlement to “James Connolly was placed firmly the Wexford Foundry lock-out of 1911 outside the main entrance reminding holidaying in and 1912 illustrated Connolly’s prag- all comers that the hospital was Ireland? matism. named after a great patriot and martyr When some of the striking workers for the working class people of complained that they had not Ireland. Make the right choice for you achieved all their demands following “The hospital was constructed as a and your family - make the the bitter dispute, Connolly replied sanatorium for TB sufferers by the Union choice of a Fair Hotel that sometimes it was important just country’s first Labour Health to reach an agreement – “any agree- ment” – in order to place them in a Minister, Dr Noel Browne, and that is better position for future struggles how it was named after the 1916 and and claims. The re-dedication was trade union leader.” organised by Connolly Hospital’s Mick Lawlor added: “In more recent Chief Shop Steward Mick Lawlor and times, another attempt to rename the his team – all of whom received a spe- hospital was seen off by SIPTU and cial James Connolly badge from Jack the local community.”

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NEC PROFILE Christy Waters NEC PROFILE Helen Murphy Meeting challenges that lie ahead for us

HELEN Murphy has been a chair of both bodies. member of SIPTU’s National Helen has also taken many Executive Council since 2004 courses provided by SIPTU College and is currently serving her over the years and believes this Defending the low-paid: second term. has hugely equipped her to repre- Christy Waters speaks at Originally from Crossmolina, sent workers. the Cleaners’ Forum in county Mayo, after taking her She believes that the role a shop Liberty Hall earlier this steward takes on can be both year. Leaving Certificate in Gortnor Abbey, she started nurse training in onerous and rewarding. However, looking back, Helen claims she Lewisham, London. would do it all over again. She qualified as a General Nurse She told Liberty: “It was a great in 1974 and after returning to honour to be elected to the NEC. I Ireland the following year started feel very privileged to have the working at the Regional Hospital, trust of workers to represent ‘The cowboy Galway. them at the highest office for ordi- In 1978, Helen was among the nary members. first group – of approximately 200 “I was part of the decision mak- nurses – in the Regional to be ing to implement the new struc- recruited into the ITGWU by Helen tures which are now in place employers former union official and current Murphy almost two years. minister . “We are in very challenging She became an activist in 1980 times and I believe those struc- and has continued representing 1987 to 1992. Among other posi- tures best equip our members to nurses and others since. tions she held were chief shop meet the challenges facing ordi- are on their Helen felt especially privileged to steward for nurses and president of nary working people.” be nominated as the nurse repre- the Galway 2 branch. Helen is also a member of the sentative by the ITGWU to success- She also represented SIPTU on Nursing Sector Committee, the fully contest the Western Health the Partnership Committee and the Equality Committee and the Board elections. Nurses Forum in University College Galway District Committee. She way back’ She served on the Board from Hospital, Galway, becoming joint retired from UCHG in December. Christy Waters, who has working conditions. A private secu- served for two years on the rity authority was set up to regulate NEC, sees himself as repre- the industry. Now with the JLC’s senting the interests of low again struck down by the courts we paid workers. He has worked are left in a vacuum and the cowboy NEC decisions May 2012 employers are coming back,” for many years in the security • Reserved Seat – N. Ireland Christy told Liberty. Audited accounts 2011 Temporary Agency Workers industry and is currently • Three General Officers Christy and his colleagues in The Union Trustees and National Directive employed by Manguard Plus • The Head of the MISC (formerly Security Plus), which SIPTU organised and fought hard for Executive Council adopted the NEC was notified of the signing audited accounts for 2011. • The Head of Organising into law The Protection of is based in the Togher the respect and recognition they • The Head of Finance earned in a difficult industry and Employees (Temporary Agency Business Park in Naas, county • The Head of Infrastructure Work) Act 2012 by the President of those gains are again under threat. Sector Organisers Panel Kildare. The Staff Recruitment sub- • Five Divisional Organisers Ireland, Michael D. Higgins. He is active in the Cleaners Forum He first joined the FWUI in the Committee report was adopted in where his experience is greatly late 1970s when he worked in respect of a new panel for sector Other matters Bereavements notified appreciated by other low paid work- Lenehan’s hardware shop on Capel organisers. NEC paid tribute to Martin Michael Scanlon – Vice ers Street in Dublin and has been an Naughton, Head of Finance & President, Retired Members’ active trade unionist all his working “Across all the low paid sectors Terms of reference – NEC’s Administration on his retirement Section Committee and Former life campaigning for better terms there are serious attempts to drive Restructuring sub-Committee from the Union on 18th May 2012. Honorary Branch Secretary, and conditions for all low paid wages down and take away long The Terms of Reference for the Mitchelstown workers. When he joined Security held rights. I have attended and spo- NEC’s Restructuring sub- Organising initiatives Tom McCarthy – Former Head of Plus in 1989 the job was not ken at the Cleaners Forum which is Committee were adopted and the Joe Cunningham, Head of the SIPTU College, Retired unionised and through his efforts about defending the most vulnera- Committee will comprise of the Organising Department, gave a Sheila Conroy – Former Secretary with others, SIPTU negotiated an ble low paid workers. following: detailed and comprehensive report of the People’s College and former agreement with the company. “I am on the NEC to make sure • Ten members of the NEC (two on the organising initiatives to member of Executive Committee “In the security industry things that the people at the bottom of the members from each Division) date. ITGWU have gone fill circle since I started in ladder are represented and I’m the late 1980’s when there was a happy to say that everyone gets a Registered Employment Agreement fair hearing on all the important that was challenged and then struck issues of the day. I feel privileged to RETIREMENT Martin Naughton down by the courts. That created a have been voted by members to the huge vacuum and the black econo- executive.” my was allowed to run rampant in “My father once said to me; ‘If the industry. I was involved in the you want to get on in your working SIPTU campaign to get new regula- life it helps to like what you’re tions and eventually a Joint Labour doing but never just do what you Committee was set up in the late like.’ I certainly like what I’m doing 1990’s. and hope I can continue to be a “We were able to meet with voice for all low paid workers.” SIPTU Head of Born in the Liberties, Christy lives Finance and employers and improve terms and Administration conditions and get the cowboys out in Clondalkin with his wife, Susan. Martin Naughton of the industry. Over the years, They have five children and three with Teresa everything improved with training grand-children. When he gets the O’Callaghan at his courses, a proper rate of pay, includ- time he enjoys playing golf and retirement party snooker. in Liberty Hall on ing Sunday premiums and night Friday 18th May. allowances, holidays and better Liberty 11 Economy JUNE 2012 EU growth plan hopes fading By Marie Sherlock OOMSDAY talk of Despite claims that it would reas- Since the new government took other programme countries in two a Greek exit, col- sure bond markets, sovereign bond office in November 2011, Spanish key ways. It is worth remembering lapse of the euro yields for Spain climbed above 7% 10-year bond yields have not fallen that no sudden deterioration in the and the terrifying just days after it was agreed. below 5%, with yields rising above Irish public finances or massive leap consequences for Labelled by the Spanish govern- 6% for the past month reflecting in Irish sovereign bond yields precip- DIreland has taken on a ment as ‘non-economic’ financial fears that the administration is itated the Irish government’s greater relevance and signifi- assistance, Spain attempted to sepa- attempting too much in too short a request for aid during October 2010. cance over recent weeks. rate the burgeoning public finance period. Instead the arrival of the IMF/EU and A close run election in Greece with crisis from the banking problem and Very tough fiscal measures and ECB into Ireland at that time came the centre right New Democracy the strategy won labour law reforms off the back of a threat by the ECB to coming in ahead of Syriza means an as EU leaders designed to reas- withdraw a vital funding stream to uncertain period faces a people acceded to a sure investors and the Irish banks. already under serious strain. ‘bank-only’ bail- ‘Spanish deal imposed to meet The second key factor is that the Coupled with the rising pressure on out. the general gov- Spanish government successfully Spain and Italy these developments While the deal, is dangerous ernment target of argued that its programme of labour have pushed deeply unpalatable at best, provides a a 3% deficit by and fiscal reforms is well under way alternatives into the open including temporary in that it makes 2014 are by and and in doing so has averted the type the possible collapse of the single reprieve for the large having the of conditions, reporting require- currency project or ever closer mon- Spanish govern- a mockery of opposite of their ments and monitoring that is charac- etary and fiscal union. Protest in Puerta del Sol ment in attempt- intended effect. teristic of the Irish, Greek and Even for those that advocate square in Madrid in May ing to cope with a the ‘bail-out’ Spanish GDP is Portuguese bail-outs. greater EU federalism this would be 2012. Photo: Wikipedia crippled banking set to contract by a It is worth recalling that the far from an ideal union, but rather a system, at worst negotiated cumulative 2.1% FF/Green/PD government at the time shotgun marriage designed to stave the deal marks a between 2012 and had already undertaken a major fis- off complete disintegration and very dangerous with Ireland 2013, driven by a cal adjustment. Indeed its four-year which would put core EU countries measures, as once again political turning point in 10.2% cut to cur- plan was largely adopted by the such as Germany in the driving seat. minds will be focused on the imme- the efforts to save and other rent government Troika when it released its pro- A meeting of the EU heads of state diate priority of saving Spain and the euro zone. spending. gramme of actions for Ireland during is scheduled for 28th June and it was containing any EU-wide contagion. This latest bail- countries’ Unemployment is that winter of 2010. initially expected that the new- To date, the signs remain far from out may well buy forecast to climb Ultimately, political tolerance found growth agenda would domi- encouraging that EU leaders stand time for Spain but even higher to a within the existing bail-out coun- nate the discussions. ready to put in place a comprehen- it risks prolonging stark 25.1% next tries will wear thin should EU lead- However, there is now growing sive growth and stability package. the crisis all the year. The Spanish ers continue to conduct business concern that events in Greece and, The Spanish ‘bail-out’ agreed by more if and when the Spanish gov- deal is also dangerous in that it like this. All eyes will be on the sum- more particularly, Spain, will derail EU finance ministers on 9th June ernment is forced into seeking an makes a mockery of the bail-out mit in late June. any focus on longer-term growth has proved itself to be as sham. ‘economic bail-out’. negotiated with Ireland and the Marie Sherlock is a SIPTU economist ERSI withdraws flawed report By Loraine Mulligan

study entitled mum essential standard of living. Costs of Working NERI’s most recent working paper in Ireland, which highlights that the cost of work (e.g. suggested that up increased local authority rent, child- care and transport) makes it more A to 44% of difficult for certain households to employed people with chil- achieve a acceptable basic living dren would be better off on standard. the dole was withdrawn by It is noticeable that the at-risk of the Economic and Social poverty level (below 60% of median Research Institute (ESRI) income) increased from 14.1% in during June. 2009 to 15.8% in 2010, notwith- The ESRI stated that the working standing the fact that the income paper’s “underlying analysis requires threshold fell from €12,046 in 2009 major revision” and that the body to €10,831 in 2010. was concerned “that the public could However, while the NERI be misled by its content.” research indicates there are consid- The working paper was in the erable costs associated with workers main the work of academic Richard entering low paid employment it is Tol. The Dutch economist left the People queueing at the Social only a side issue. Recent EU ERSI last year claiming that outside research indicates that for every job Welfare Office at Bishop Square in groups had a malign influence on vacancy in Ireland there are 26 job the organisation’s research. When Dublin. Photo: Photocall Ireland seekers. the ERSI was forced to withdraw Freed from the media spin the Costs of Working in Ireland, Tol underlying issues revealed by Costs claimed on RTE’s Morning Ireland welfare system was overly generous incurred by jobseekers, such as original text that 44% of people with of Working in Ireland indicate that that the trade unions might have and was acting as a disincentive to transport, were not adequately fac- children would be better off on calls for a reduction in the mini- had some role in the decision. The work. Yet the data used in the study unemployment benefit, rather than mum wage and the dismantling of claim is completely without founda- actually suggests the opposite. The taking up work, is erroneous and a pay protections for low income tion and Tol has been requested to figures were drawn from the The paper’s conclu- revised version suggests this is the workers would be counter-produc- withdraw it. 2004/2005 Household Survey. sion that the costs of case for fewer than 10% of such tive. The need for a genuine debate Tol’s work is clearly deeply During this period there was near working are high in households. about the adequacy of income from flawed, based as it is on the selec- full-employment in Ireland, proving However the research does raise work, challenging jaded arguments tive use of out of date data. that joblessness was not seen as a Ireland is not radi- important issues, namely the prob- about competitiveness, should not However it does raise some impor- more desirable scenario despite the cal, taking into lem of low pay and the dearth of be lost by mis-directed attacks on tant issues relating to the costs of additional costs associated with account childcare, affordable childcare. current benefit levels. working in Ireland. work. Research by the Nevin Economic It is critical that Irish society’s When the working paper sur- The paper’s conclusion that the transport and other Research Institute (NERI) shows focus remains on the creation of faced many in the media were quick costs of working are high in Ireland expenses. that for many household types (par- decent jobs, rather than being side- to jump on its flawed findings, is not radical, taking into account ticularly those with infants or chil- tracked into a debate based around using them to back up politically childcare, transport and other tored into the analysis. According dren in third-level education) the a false dilemma of low paid work motivated claims that the social expenses. However, certain costs to the ESRI, the contention in the minimum wage is below the mini- versus social welfare. 12 Liberty JUNE 2012 Economy Deliver Jobs and Growth Proposals to fund a major new investment programme in Ireland

By Marie Sherlock fter four years Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF), (ii) and that there is a need for a coordi- some 58.2% of Irish goods exports go have such a long term bearing on our incentivised investment by Irish nated fiscal stimulus if the eurozone to other EU countries. future growth potential. While of economic occupational pension funds, (iii) is to avoid a double dip recession. Ireland recorded one of the highest levels of public investment across upheaval, cofinancing by the European President Hollande of France is the world during the boom years, Investment Bank and (iv) co- financ- pushing for a growth pact and even Major shortfall in A harsh budgets the deeply conservative German with the exception of our inter-city ing by the commercial semi-state finance minister has acknowledged infrastructure still road network, few in this country and massive job losses, companies. Together, this funding the need for a rise in German wages would argue that we now enjoy exists in Ireland superior levels of education, health the Irish economy very would be invested in much needed, to spur domestic demand. Already, But these developments alone will and telecommunications facilities. much finds itself at a strategically important, projects in German metal workers have negoti- not be enough to lift the stagnant the areas of broadband develop- ated a pay rise worth 4.4%, while Irish domestic economy onto a sus- cross roads at this point ment, energy efficiency, water and public sector workers will see their tainable growth pact. At a time in time. waste water treatment, hospitals wages increase by 6.3% over the next where there is significant spare The Sources of Funding To the outside world record high and schools. two years. capacity of skills in the construction Looking across the Irish Sea, local levels of exports sold abroad has authority pension funds are a prime example of how the pension funds meant that the economy is stabilis- of ordinary workers can be put to ing. But inside, the Irish domestic use by investing in projects in the economy is set to enter its sixth suc- local area on a commercial basis. cessive year of contraction in 2012, With upwards of €80bn in Irish weighed down by a burgeoning occupational pension funds and the unemployment problem and persist- vast majority of this invested abroad, ent fear and uncertainty about the there is now a real opportunity to future of both the Irish and attract some of this funding into European economies. Irish projects and assets. The challenge is to incentivise Without investment in the coun- pension funds and to reassure pen- try’s infrastructural capacity, into the sion fund trustees that investing in skills and training of those out of Ireland can produce a commercial work and those with a job and into return, which in turn will add to the existing Irish businesses, there will productive capacity of the State. The be no growth of any real impact on pension fund levy was imposed by the Government during 2011 and the employment and on consumer second payment of the levy is due in demand in the Irish economy. Since September this year. We propose that May Day 2011, SIPTU has persistent- these payments be rebated back to ly called for a jobs and investment the pension fund at a future date, on programme. This has culminated in condition of investment in specific the publication in May this year by Government-approved projects or funds. Legislative provisions would SIPTU and ICTU of proposals to deliver jobs and growth.

Outline of the Few in this coun- proposals try would argue We are proposing a targeted strate- that we now enjoy gic investment of upwards of an average of €3bn each year for the superior levels of next three years. In addition to the education, health Government’s own public capital programme, our plan has the poten- and telecommuni- tial to provide an annual boost cations facilities. worth almost 2% as a share of GDP. In the context of the general govern- ment debt set to peak close to 120% as a share of GDP and with Ireland effec- have to be put in place to ensure that tively locked out of the international the rebate is immediately payable were the pension fund to wind up. In capital markets, the Government value terms, this has the potential to faces very clear constraints in inject upwards of €4bn into the Irish attempting to borrow additional Shift in Balance of For Ireland, these are significant and craft sector and where construc- economy over the next 3 years. money to fund these proposals. developments and we can hope to tion tender prices are back at 1998 Funding from the NPRF would form the second source and we So imaginative ways have to be power in the EU but levels, it would be very opportune to benefit from an increase in funding believe that half of the remaining nding. It found to leverage private sources of this will not be enough to be made available through the EIB ramp up infrastructural spe funds of €5.4bn could be directed funding and, where possible, keep for investment in infrastructure and would have the relatively immediate towards infrastructure projects. to lift Ireland other sectors. For the thousands of impact of generating thousands of the investment off the State’s bal- Recent events across the EU have Irish businesses that export into the jobs in these projects and over the ance sheet. Our plan is based on demonstrated that many EU leaders EU, it should also provide a welcome medium term it would tackle the four main sources of finances, (i) now recognise that one sided auster- boost. It is worth remembering that infrastructural deficiencies that exist direct investment by the National ity will not cure the economic crisis in the Irish economy and which will Continued on page 13 Liberty 13 Comment JUNE 2012 Reinventing our democracy and Claiming Our Future...

By Niall Crowley HERE was a heat over – decision making by the peo- capacity to grapple with the crises Convention was identified as a alternative where the voices of those wave on Saturday ple affected by those decisions. we face and if we are to get a diversi- moment of opportunity to raise experiencing inequality and poverty May 26th. We were Action at the national level was ty of representation that reflects the issues of democratic reform, given would have influence and where the getting our whole also supported. In particular, the actual composition of our society. that so many of these issues require agenda would contribute to a real T summer in one reinvention of our democracy. weekend and still The importance of equality as a some 200 people turned up in value to shape democratic practice Croke Park for Claiming Our and perspective was highlighted. Future’s event on reinventing There is an absence of shared val- democracy. ‘The 1916 centenary was ues to shape political processes, There was clearly an urgency to debates and decision making. getting to grips with the parlous viewed as another key Equality needs to be one such value. state of our democracy. Accountability was also identified The debates held a big focus on moment... a real republic as another key value that is current- reinventing democracy from the ly lacking visibility. local level. There was strong support would be governed by The 1916 centenary was viewed as for developing more participative forms of governance and decision different values and another key moment for examining making at local level. the issue of our democracy. A real The need for devolving powers to require different political republic would be governed by dif- local authority level and developing ferent values and would require dif- funding streams for local democracy processes’ ferent political processes. was emphasised. The Claiming Our Future debates The political culture that prevails have set a valuable agenda for this. was seen as a barrier to change. A A working group will now take political fatigue was identified in the need for a Dáil that might be fit for The danger to democracy in the constitutional change. these ideas forward. absence of real alternatives in politi- silencing of voices of dissent was cal debate and in the inability of purpose was articulated. The current proposals around the Contact can be made through raised in the debates. There was groups to move beyond their own Proposals to reduce the power of Constitutional Convention are a [email protected]. This is strong support articulated for a con- narrow interests. the whip system and to give greater source of disappointment – and in clearly a timely focus on an urgent stitutional provision to protect advo- The issue of distance from deci- powers to Oireachtas committees many ways reflect the political issue. However, the powerful ideas cacy by community groups repre- sion making was a key source of dis- that came from Croke Park will only received high levels of support. senting those living in poverty and fatigue highlighted in the debates. content. A sense of powerlessness The electoral system was also inequality. There was a call for Claiming Our be realised if people from across civil was articulated in the absence of any identified as being in need of reform The proposed Constitutional Future to organise an alternative society are ready to take them on. real participation in – or influence if we are to get politicians with a Constitutional Convention – an

Deliver Jobs and Growth - continued from page 12

EIB funding is the third component and it is hoped that these can be put Government has made an agreement this country nor is it enough to general government deficit and the and already the EIB have funded to use for Irish projects. with the Troika to allocate upwards secure full economic recovery, it does public finances. The Exchequer energy, school and housing projects Lastly, the commercial semi-state of 50% from the proceeds of the sale have the potential to (i) help to kick would gain directly via an increase in in Ireland. To date, take up of loans companies have well established towards a job and investment plan, start investment, provide a boost to income and construction related tax by Ireland has been low. Since late investment programmes, where we do not consider this as part of our domestic economic activity and meet revenues and indirectly through sav- 2011, there has been much discus- earnings are reinvested back into funding model. the country’s long term vital ings to the Social Welfare fund from sion at EU level about EU project capital projects. Already, there is a infrastructural needs, (ii) generate the numbers exiting the Live bonds and the first bonds are due to precedent for some of the larger thousands of direct and indirect Register. For every €1 spent on an be piloted in late 2012. The participa- semi-state companies to co-finance The economic impact employment in the construction and infrastructure project an estimated tion of the EIB in these project bonds projects in the areas of telecommuni- While our investment plan will related sectors and (iii) impact on the €0.51 accrues back to the State. will attract other sources of finance cations etc. Although the not solve the employment crisis in 14 Liberty JUNE 2012 Comment Liberty

By JACK O’CONNOR View SIPTU General President

OR some years mechanisms that protect the quality of life but that it does not domestic job creation that have now, the state incomes and conditions for work- work. It has failed to protect jobs emerged over the past two years. funded Economic ers. and, in this country, it has failed Since May 2011, Congress and and Social By electing François Hollande to generate the growth needed to SIPTU have developed detailed Research Institute in France, and giving his Socialist put over 450,000 people back to proposals for a domestic jobs F has been pursu- Party a clear majority in the work or to stem the tide of emi- investment package that could ing a ‘slash and burn’ agen- assembly the voters of the second gration of our young people. put tens of thousands back to da. It is influenced by the largest EU economy have firmly The ESRI has recognised, some- work within a few short years neo-liberal thinking which rejected the one sided austerity what belatedly, that an EU wide and have identified both the suggests that economic agenda and gone for a growth stimulus is required if there is to sources of funding and the proj- recovery can come from driv- ects which could stimulate ing down wages and the cost growth and recovery. of labour. It is a policy of The funds can come from a internal devaluation that is By electing François Hollande in variety of sources including the favoured because in this France, and giving his Socialist Party European Investment Bank and country, as members of the the National Pension Reserve euro zone, the Irish govern- a clear majority in the assembly the Fund while commercial semi- ment cannot devalue its state energy and communications currency to soften the voters of the second largest EU companies could be encouraged impact of the fiscal and economy have firmly rejected the to invest in job creation projects. banking crises. The €80 billion held by Irish It is the sort of thinking that one sided austerity agenda and gone private pension funds can be has dominated political discourse leveraged by offering them a in the US where it forms a core for a growth strategy. rebate from the pension levy in principle in the Republican Party return for the investment of a attempt to unseat Barack Obama portion of those monies. There later this year, and in the coun- are essential infrastructural gaps tries across Europe that are, or strategy. be any hope of economic recov- in transport and rail, broadband, have been, led by centre-right The problem with the ‘slash ery in those countries suffering health and education that can be parties. In the EU, it involves the and burn’ approach is not only from high unemployment, partic- filled while providing Irish work- dismantling of the social model that it is unfair to working peo- ularly among the youth, but that ers, the unemployed and their favoured by Mitterand and ple and their families for whom is no excuse for it rejecting the children with some hope that the Delours in the 1980’s with a sav- it provides no hope of a better only coherent proposals for future can be brighter. age attack on wages and on the

TheTThhe Credit Union CCrrreeddiiit t UUnnniiioo Jim Larkin Credit Union ffoforor aall SIPTUn llll SIIPP mmemberseemm andTTUU ebrrss If you are interested in joining the Jim Larkin Credit Union tththeirheeiiirr families aann ind ffaaammiil lliiieeess iinn Tel: 01-8721155 or email: [email protected] tththehe DDuDublin uubblliiinn RReRegion eegggiiiooonn Opening pO e n i n g Hours: oH u r s : Thursday uhT r ads y 7 p7 p.m. . m . - 8 8.15 . 1 p5 p.m. . m . Saturday aS t u r ad y 9 9.30 . a03 a.m. . m . - 12.00 21- . 00 noonnoon The Jim Larkin Credit Union is regulated by the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) Liberty 15 Supporting Quality JUNE 2012

SUPPORTING QUALITY Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland Support Quality, Promoting Quality Irish Products Support Jobs in Ireland.

The SIPTU Supporting Quality tor is very significant. It goes all the consumer campaign is aimed way from the factory floor to product at protecting jobs in Ireland packaging, transportation and ware- housing through to the shop counter. and supporting quality Irish Bigger companies sustain hundreds products. of smaller suppliers by buying raw materials, technologies and mainte- Supporting Quality encourages nance services. In turn, this con- consumers to consider the tributes billions in income tax, cor- wider economic and social poration tax and VAT to the Irish impact of their shopping exchequer every year. choices. In order to tackle the unemployment The campaign grants products crisis in Ireland the focus has to be which are produced in unionised on creating new jobs and maintain- workplaces in Ireland the right to ing existing ones. The future indicate this with a Supporting prospects for the Irish economy will Quality mark and their inclusion depend on the survival and growth on the Supporting Quality website. of existing and start-up indigenous companies. The Supporting Quality campaign and associated products will also At the start of the crisis in this coun- Check out the be continually promoted among the try, some 70% of all manufacturing Supporting Quality 200,000 members of SIPTU and their businesses employed fewer than 20 families. workers. The potential for expansion website is huge but it depends on Irish con- More and more people are realising sumers “thinking quality” when they that there is a need to support next go to buy a new lock for the brands produced by companies door, a box of chocolates or contact which support decent Sign up to receive lens solution. A number of Irish food employment in the Supporting Ireland. Indigenous and drink products are synonymous Quality Newsletter manufacturing will be with Irish unionised companies. Sign up central to the country’s However, there are also many more economic recovery and cosmetic, hardware, machinery and to receive the Supporting Quality other products made in Irish regular campaign allows con- unionised workplaces which need sumers to play their our support. updates part by choosing quali- ty Irish products pro- Opting to support quality work- via email duced by companies places does not necessarily imply a which provide decent higher cost but it will mean the dif- jobs. ference between survival and failure for many Irish businesses. Joining The economic impact of the Supporting Quality campaign the right consumer sustains existing quality Irish jobs choices on the indige- and allows you play your part in nous manufacturing sec- reviving the Irish domestic economy.

Joe O’Flynn www.supportingquality.ie SIPTU General Secretary 16 Liberty Liberty 17 JUNE 2012 Supporting Quality JUNE 2012

Tegral Largo Foods Coca Cola “Tegral is proud to participate in the “The Supporting Quality campaign is an Supporting Quality Campaign. Our unparal- “The ‘Supporting Quality Campaign’ is an excellent excellent initiative which raises the profile leled knowledge of the Irish market and in initiative as it recognises and heightens awareness of of Ireland's all-important manufacturing the importance of manufacturing activities in Ireland. particular of Irish roof building requirements industry. Coca-Cola is proud to play its part Largo Foods is proud to play its part in maintaining gives us the edge when it comes to designing in offering careers in manufacturing manufacturing jobs in Ireland through the production roof coverings that can withstand whatever through our local production of a range of of our Tayto, Hunky Dorys, King and Perri brands at SUPPORTING weather conditions mother nature throws at well known, high quality brands including our factories in Meath and Donegal.” them. This in turn, gives proud home-owners Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Fruice QUALITY John O’Connor, Commercial Director, Largo Foods confidence in the knowledge that their roof and Deep RiverRock.” Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland deally suited to the Irish climate Promoting Quality Irish Products covering is i Denise Collins, HR Director, “The Supporting Quality Campaign is good for both and that in buying from Tegral they are sup- Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland porting Irish jobs.” employees and employers. Staff at Largo Foods are delighted that the campaign has been recognised and George Robinson, Marketing Executive, Tegral Products Lilt supported by the company. We are pleased to see Dr Pepper Products Coca Cola members supporting our products and products Fruice ThrutonePlus & manufactured in Ireland.” Diet Coke Over three quarters Deep RiverRock ThrutonePlus Relief Slates Coca-Cola Zero of Irish individuals Tommy Naughton, Shop Steward, Largo Foods. Deep RiverRock Flavours Supercem & Graphite Blue Slates Sprite and households try BPM AgribildPlus Metal Sheeting Products Fanta to buy Irish some Tayto or most of the Hunky Dorys time.* King If households were to €4 per Perri spend an extra 87% of Irish week on Irish goods consumers believe produced here it would it is important that generate an additional Irish companies Newbridge 6000 jobs in Irish distinguish companies.* themselves as Silverware Basta Irish made.* “Since 1934 Newbridge Silverware “Basta and the union have a long has been manufacturing in Ireland. history of success. Since the union Britvic We are proud to continue the cre- organised in the company in the Valeo Foods ation of our EPNS cutlery and jew- early 1960s, Basta has always been “In Britvic Ireland we believe that a local “Batchelors is ellery at our craft centre in willing to work with SIPTU. Basta Products focus makes a real difference. A real proud to support Newbridge. We wish to emphasise was one of the first companies to Odlums difference to the economy, to our employees, SIPTUs 'Supporting the importance of the Supporting make partnership work in Ireland Batchelors to our consumers and to our customers. Over Quality Campaign'. Quality Campaign as Irish heritage in a manner which benefited both Erin 95% of what we sell in Ireland – great brands Batchelors has and expert craftsmanship are the company and employees.” Shamrock such as Club, Miwadi, Ballygowan, TK, enjoyed a long- lifeblood of the Newbridge Shop Stewards David Curran and Sean Clarke Sqeez Cidona, Energise, Edge, C&C Lemonades, term relationship Silverware brand.” Real Irish with SIPTU, which Robinsons and Fruit Shoot are all made in Phil Donnelly, Marketing Food Company has continued over Manager, Newbridge Products Products Ireland, either in Ballyfermot in Dublin or rick. We are delighted the years.” Silverware Cutlery Locks Newcastlewest in Lime Jewellery Hinges to be part of SIPTU’s Supporting Quality Paddy Corrigan, Declan Handles Malone Shop Stewards, Silverware Campaign. If we all pull together we can put Batchelors Ireland back on its feet.” Kevin Donnelly, Marketing Director, Britvic Ireland.

Products 7 UP Ballygowan Robinson Olhausen TK Sport Club Fruit Shoot Club mixers Products Cidona Pepsi Pudding Miwadi Energise If cost and quality are Kerry Spring Sausages equal between Irish Rashers Awareness and adequate made and non Irish Bacon identification of Irish goods, almost 80% of Products Pork made goods is vital, as consumers would opt Still & Carbonated Cooked Meats (Sparkling) Natural Mineral 63% of Irish consumers to buy Irish.* Water bottled feel that buying Irish SUPPORTING helps contribute to the QUALITY Still & Carbonated Irish economy and to Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland Flavoured water products sustain Irish jobs.* Promoting Quality Irish Products www.supportingquality.ie *Source: Amárach Research for the Guaranteed Irish Campaign 18 Liberty JUNE 2012 Supporting Quality

SUPPORTING QUALITY Protecting Quality Jobs in Ireland Promoting Quality Irish Products The Supporting Quality team “Representing “The future health “Unemployment in “This campaign almost 50,000 of the Irish econo- Ireland is set to offers an opportu- workers in the my will be built remain a major nity for companies Manufacturing upon sustainable problem over the to show their Division alone, enterprises and the next five years. The commitment to SIPTU is commit- re-igniting of focus has to be on Ireland’s economic ted to working domestic consumer creating much recovery through with unionised demand. In the needed new jobs the protection of firms to ensure that together we agriculture and food sector Irish and maintaining existing ones. jobs and the maintenance of can provide maximum exposure to companies have always led the Key to the future prospects for quality workplaces. A recent their brands among the union’s way in producing top quality the Irish economy is the survival study carried out by Amárach 200,000 members, their families products. It is crucial that union and growth of existing and start- Research has found that if Irish and their communities.” members support these enterpris- up indigenous companies; this is consumers spent just €4 extra es and by doing so support their where the Supporting Quality each, every week, on Irish goods, Gerry McCormack fellow workers.” campaign can play a crucial role.” we could create up to 6,000 jobs. SIPTU Manufacturing Division Such statistics should encourage Organiser Andrew McCarthy Marie Sherlock Irish consumers as we seek to Supporting Quality co-ordinator - Supporting Quality economic data re-invigorate our economy.” Agriculture, Ingredients, Food co-ordinator and Drink Sector Fabia Gavin Supporting Quality Marketing Director

“In supporting “Supporting “The way to recov- "I would encour- this campaign con- Quality is based on ery for the Irish age all SIPTU sumers can help to similar highly suc- economy and our members to get protect decent cessful and long society is through fully behind the unionised jobs running campaigns maintaining and Supporting Quality across the food in the United creating good jobs campaign because processing, manu- States. Ireland’s in unionised work- the benefits are facturing and phar- economy depends places. The enormous. In maceutical sectors, while con- on the maintenance of good jobs Supporting Quality campaign buying Irish products from SIPTU tributing positively to the econo- and a return of consumer confi- provides consumers with the organised employments they my. I believe the Supporting dence. The Supporting Quality ability to choose to play their know they are getting a quality Quality campaign will play a cru- campaign can play an important part in supporting the economy Irish product. In addition, it cial role in the coming years in role in ensuring the development and assist in maintaining the jobs promotes one of the cornerstones developing sustainable growth in of both.” of their fellow union members.” of trade unionism, solidarity. the Irish economy.” Solidarity with their fellow John Dunne Miriam Hamilton SIPTU members." Alan O'Leary Supporting Quality co-ordinator Supporting Quality co-ordinator Supporting Quality co-ordinator - John McCarrick Pharmaceutical Chemical and Supporting Quality co-ordinator - Medical Devices Sector Engineering, Electronics and Industrial Production Sector

The Supporting Quality team is committed to making this major new consumer campaign a success for consumers and union members and the companies involved. If you wish to receive information on how to become involved in Supporting Quality contact; Fabia Gavin, Marketing Director, Supporting Quality Campaign at [email protected] Proud history of ‘Union Made’

THE concept of the ‘union label’ products from companies that had By 1909, the American Federation of – marking products which are agreed to reduce workers shifts by two Labor had created its Union Label produced in unionised work- hours from the usual 10 hours. Department. This department is still places where workers are guar- The concept proved popular with going strong today, with tens of thou- anteed fair treatment and wages the public. Workers across all indus- sand of products produced by – originated in the United tries in the US were fighting for a unionised workers in the US bearing States in the middle of the 19th working week that allowed adequate the union label. century. time off and enthusiastically took the While marking products, particularly opportunity to spend their hard- books and newspapers, as “made with The first genuine union labels began earned dollars supporting others fight- union labour” has occurred in Ireland cropping up in the 1850s as early craft ing the same campaign. and elsewhere in Europe the idea of unions in the US began the struggle for In 1881, along with the birth of the the union label has never been as pop- a shorter working week. American Federation of Labor came the ular as in the US. In 1869, the Carpenters’ Union in clasped hands symbol that has lasted, This is something SIPTU seeks to San Francisco, California, launched an with only minor alterations, until today, change with the launch of the eight-hour day campaign with the as the ‘Union made’ label in the US. ‘Supporting Quality’ campaign. union’s emblem affixed to any mill Liberty 19 Health JUNE 2012 Rallying for justice

Home Helps rally in Cork on Saturday, 26th May. Photo: Jim Weldon

OME helps and Paul Bell, addressed a rally of up to worker in this state is entitled by in every parish and community home care atten- 1,000 home helps organised by local law and in the eyes of every fair throughout the country. dants organised SIPTU officials Ted Kenny and minded citizen.” She said: “We have dragged the rallies in Cork and Sharon Cregan on Cork’s Grand ‘We have fought Tina Barrett, a Home Help in the HSE kicking and screaming to the Dublin last month Parade. Dublin area, said she was concerned Labour Court in order to address H Directing his comments to Dr about the increased time constraints fundamental issues which should be in the lead up to a crucial hard to assert the Labour Court hearing. Reilly, he told the crowd: “We have a being placed upon her work. applied in the contract of employ- They took to the streets to call on message for you Minister Reilly. We right to decency She said; “There is less time being ment for home helps and all com- Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, the health workers who serve the provided to work with clients' fami- munity health workers. and the HSE to treat them with the community are not going back to the and fair treatment’ lies. These new procedures are being “We are confident that the Labour dignity and respect they are entitled day our members were paid 50 implemented by management with- Court will help our members secure to as care workers in the community pence from the “biscuit tin” and out proper regard for the interests of the terms of contract which they are looking after some of Ireland’s most when our members had no employ- clients or the experience of Home entitled to and that the abuse of vulnerable people. ment rights. demand that our members be afford- Helps working on the ground.” issuing hours to ‘for profit’ compa- The ‘Be Fair to Those who Care’ “We have fought hard to assert the ed the same rights as all health Sector Organiser, Louise O’Reilly, nies using taxpayers money at our rallies were attended by angry mem- right to decency and fair treatment workers with the issuing of proper speaking in Dublin called on all members’ expense will be brought bers and concerned service users. as key deliverers of social and med- contracts of employment and the home helps in the HSE and volun- to an end.” SIPTU Health Division Organiser ical care in the community and we application of rights to which every tary sector to join SIPTU and organise Gender impact of crisis probed EW research high- sion has spread from the construc- sory take-up of paid employment by also been used to close or relocate lighting the com- tion industry into the services sec- those on One Parent Family (from independent status to cen- parative impact tor, particularly retail and hospitali- Payment (once the youngest child tralised government department government eco- ty. has reached seven years of age). control) key agencies such as nomic and social Public sector cuts in employment Systems of inclusion and exclu- Combat Poverty Agency, National N and services are examined – specifi- sion that operate within the finan- Consultative Committee on Racism policies have had on both sexes over the last four years cally the impact on women who con- cial sector are uncovered with the and Inter-culturalism, Women’s has been published. tinue to have the primary responsi- aim of bringing the prevailing macro Health Council and Crisis Pregnancy bility for increasingly unsupported focus on banking policies to a micro Agency. Titled The Untold Story of the systems of care. focus on those who are financially By analysing the growth in pover- Crisis – Gender, Equality and New The report’s authors also investi- excluded in Ireland. ty, inequality and low pay the paper Inequalities, the report by academics gate the effect the Universal Social The paper argues that the reces- reveals how the austerity policies Ursula Barry and Pauline Conroy Charge (USC) has had on people on sion has been used to dismantle the being imposed on Ireland and the looks at employment, unemploy- low incomes. equality infrastructure built up over policy choices made by government ment and migration trends among Targeting of lone parents through the last 15 years through huge and are impacting negatively on those men and women. the sharp cuts in the ‘earnings disre- disproportionate cuts to the budgets who can least afford it – women, The paper, commissioned by pro- gard’ and the cutting of child sup- of the Equality Authority, Irish lone parents and low-income house- gressive think-tank TASC, also port are examined as well as the new Human Rights Commission, holds. probes the way in which the reces- policy to create a system of compul- National Women’s Council. It has 20 Liberty JUNE 2012 Community Why changes to CE will only threaten childcare services By VISIT to the Clare Not surprisingly, the result has been Family Resource a dramatic reduction in lone parents Centre is an inspir- applying to join the course.” ing experience –a And there is another cause for dedicated team concern amid speculation that the A Government’s review of Community delivering the highest stan- dards of childcare allied to a Employment will recommend that workers will be restricted to just one state-of-the-art premises on a year of CE. par with the best in Europe. “It takes time to learn childcare You see at first hand a community and continuity of care is very impor- model that works – affordable, high- tant,” explained Maureen. quality childcare in a warm, caring “The quality of care must always environment. Staff cater to a diverse come first. Restricting CE to one year range of 110 children, including chil- might work in other scenarios but it dren with special needs and children won’t work in childcare.” who are vulnerable. General Manager, Maureen Keane, explained: “Ever since the centre ‘Working here was set up in 1994, we have been motivated by the need to cater for is fantastic – those who are not in a financial posi- tion to avail of the services provided Community by the private sector. Community Employment (CE) has been central Employment to the success of this project.” There are currently 24 staff, all gave me a progressing to FETAC levels 5, 6 and 7 qualifications over the course of lifeline to build one to three years before moving on Presumably this is just the type of to work in the childcare sector. model of childcare that Minister my career’ Three of this team are seconded to had in mind when she Clare Haven Services which provides called recently for the setting up of All of these factors are causing support and accommodation to “a system of safe, affordable and great worry to Maureen and her women and children who have expe- accessible childcare, similar to what team who are now facing an uncer- rienced domestic abuse. is found in the Scandinavian coun- Magda and Maureen, tain future. ““As things stand, I don’t Maureen told Liberty: “All of our tries”. top, part of the see us being able to run a training Room Leaders started off as CE Indeed Maureen Keane spent time dedicated team behind scheme next year, but I hope that we workers – this shows you how in Scandinavia when researching state-of-the-art Clare Family Resource Centre can. I am particularly concerned important CE is to our operation. best practice for the design of their about the impact these cuts could Our people are always very sought premises in Ennis which was have on our support for the Clare Maureen added: “Courses in first of FETAC recognised training in after by other employers because opened just three years ago. Haven Services.” aid, lifting and handling, fire and childcare for the local community. they are so well trained.” So it’s hard to believe that since SIPTU Organiser, Diane Jackson, safety and food hygiene are manda- Maureen claims changes to lone Magda Bola Ogunniyi is an exam- last December’s budget there has hailed the Clare Family Resource tory, and that’s before you move on parent payments have piled further ple of this successful approach. been increasing concern over future Centre as a template for community to the rest of the FETAC course con- pressure on the Centre. Originally from Nigeria, Magda funding for the centre. childcare of the highest order. tents. All of this costs money but we She said: “We depend on new par- came to Ireland 14 years ago. She Materials and training grants have She told Liberty: “The Department will no longer receive funding for ticipants joining our CE scheme – began her career at the centre 12 been slashed leading to cutbacks of of Social Protection should recognise this unless things change.” many of whom would have been years ago as a CE participant, worked €25,000 in funding which was used the damage that is being done by As a direct result of these cuts, a lone parents, but budget changes her way up to Room Leader and has to pay for equipment, toys, heating, these cutbacks, recognise the huge sister company to the centre – the mean lone parents will now receive been the scheme supervisor for four electricity and phone costs as well as value of schemes like the Clare Clare Training Resource Centre – is just 20 a week as an additional pay- years now. core FETAC training. € Family Resource Centre and act now being forced to close permanently in ment. She said: “Working here is fantas- This is in addition to the cut to the to ensure the security of its future July, with the loss of a part-time “This is supposed to cover their tic – CE gave me a lifeline to build specific skills training fund – a loss funding.” my career.” of another €9,000. administrator, and the withdrawal own costs of transport and childcare. ‘So unfair... how can I afford childcare?’ MARIA McNamara is on her second tarred with the same brush by politi- “It’s illegal to leave your children want to work – I have a good CV and year of Community Employment cians and media. I am a lone parent on their own – so what does the have over 100 rejection letters sitting working as part of the Christ the with one child as a result of a divorce.Government want us to do?” at home, so why is the Government King CE team in Caherdavin, a sub- I’ve worked hard all my life – either Maria faces a monthly mortgage punishing people like me? urb of Limerick City. full-time or part-time since I was 12. payment of €957 – a payment she “All of these things are pushing me The scheme carries out a wide I had a good job in Limerick, but had was able to maintain while she was out of my home, a home I have range of gardening and environmen- to leave due to cuts. in full-time work. Now she struggles worked all my life to get.” tal work and won a prestigious Tidy “I started my first year on CE earn- to make the interest-only paymentf o Fellow worker, Ger Cantwell, con- Towns award last year in recognition ing €238 for 19.5 hours a week. Now €452. “I’ve had to put my house up trasted the circumstances of CE of improvements to the local area. that’s been cut to€ 208. Losing €119 for sale because I may not get a third workers with the recent comments Maria, who works as a gardener a month is a huge cut to me. We’re year on CE. I’ve been paying a mort- of Áine Collins, a Dublin South Fine and is also helping to computerise facing losing more money now that gage since I was 22 and now it’s come Gael TD for Cork North West. local parish records, is exasperated at the Department of Social Protection to this.” He told Liberty: “She said how the threat to Community is cutting the child eligibility age for The frustration of facing further hard it was to manage on €140k a Employment and the treatment payments back to seven. This is so cuts to her income and the curtail- year. We’re on one fourteenth of her Livelihoods threatened: Ger meted out to lone parents in particu- unfair – if I do get a job how would I ment of her time as a CE worker is income, I wonder how she’d manage Cantwell & Maria McNamara lar by this government. “We are all afford childcare after these cuts? clear. Maria added: “I’m sickened. I with that?” Liberty 21 Community JUNE 2012 Government cuts put community childcare in crisis

By Trevor Quinn COMMUNITY Childcare is ifications are allowed work in the participants may have had under unprecedented attack Early Years/Childcare sector. of gaining the recognised FETAC from Government cutbacks, • A real threat to the quality of qualification. threatening the viability of childcare as services face the Sector Organiser Darragh the entire sector. prospect of totally untrained staff O’Connor told Liberty: “The cut- having access to work placement. backs to date coupled with the pro- Workers throughout the sector are New CE participants won’t even posals now on the table to further reeling from: have funding for first aid which is a restrict CE placement will have the • Cuts to materials and training requirement of the pre-school regu- effect of totally undermining the grants which have begun to freeze lations. viability of community childcare. existing FETAC training pro- • The loss of the dual payments “We are calling on the grammes. Promises that additional for lone parents looking to enrol in Government to restore the materials funding would be made available to Community Employment. A meagre and training grants, and ring-fence services from the Department of €20 is not enough to pay the cost of funding for these services. Social Protection have so far failed to going to work such as transport and “Otherwise, Community Childcare materialise. childcare costs. will be consigned to history, leaving • The withdrawal of recognised • The proposal to restrict place- hundreds of families and their chil- training which will render work ment on CE to just one year is dren right across the State without experience in the sector pointless as threatening to undermine both the any service in the months and years only people with FETAC level 5 qual- quality of the service and any to come.”

INSOMNIA MIND YOUR HEALTH Combating Insomnia LL of us have had dif- underlying cause. Careful questioning of their room should be dark with a com- ficulty sleeping at Stress and depression are a com- sleep partner may reveal a history fortable temperature with external some stage – but, mon cause of sleep problems. of loud snoring, gasping or gulping noise kept to a minimum. thankfully. for most Often people will have noticed and very short episodes of no- 5. Create a routine for sleep, try- A either low mood or anxiety before breathing (apnoea). ing to get up at the same time every it was a short-lived problem and we returned to our nor- sleep becomes affected. Commonly these patients are day and going to bed at the same mal sleep pattern easily. They may complain of difficulty overweight and weight loss will time. Insomnia varies from difficulty in falling asleep followed by wak- help improve their problem. They 6. If you are unable to sleep with- in falling asleep, to repeated wak- ing early in the morning and on may also require a machine to help in 15 minutes of going to bed, it is ening, to feeling un-refreshed after waking often being anxious and them breathe at night (CPAP). advisable to get up and go to anoth- sleep. Sufferers also complain of worrying about minor problems. Over-stimulation prior to bed er room with low lighting and do Early morning wakening is time will also lead to poor sleep. something relaxing such as read- fatigue, poor concentration and always seen as a warning sign of Caffeine is a stimulant chemical ing. Do not watch the television. day-time sleepiness. depression by doctors. found in tea, coffee, chocolate, After 15 minutes try going back to We all require different amounts Common night-time symptoms Coke and other soft drinks. bed again. of sleep. During childhood the that upset our sleep include pain, Smoking also stimulates us and 7. Sleeping tablets are usually By ILLONA DUFFY average sleep time is 12 hours. This restless legs (described as a creep- creates difficulty in falling asleep not the solution to poor sleep. is reduced to six to nine hours dur- ing or restless feeling and involun- and a delay in reaching our deep They all have an addictive poten- ing adulthood and it is proven that tary leg movements), urinary prob- and refreshing sleep. tial, meaning that one can become as we get older we require even less lems (especially in men with ‘hooked’ or dependant on them. sleep. prostate problems), night-time What to do? In the elderly they are associated It is, therefore, important for sweats (especially in menopausal 1. Keep a sleep diary – these are with an increase in falls both dur- families of elderly people to realise women or those with an overactive readily available online. ing the night and the following that they will naturally sleep for a thyroid gland) and breathing prob- 2. Avoid all caffeine and ciga- morning. However, they may be maximum of six hours at night and lems. rettes in the evening. used for a week or two in the case this will be reduced further by day- An increasing respiratory prob- 3. Daytime exercise will help cre- of short stress-induced sleep prob- time napping. lem associated with poor sleep is ate a physical fatigue but exercise lems, to try and retrain the body. Often older people are encour- obstructive sleep apnoea. in the late evenings will create Relaxation tapes and exercises aged to go to bed early but this These patients may not complain stimulating hormones in our bod- have been shown to help and are means that they are likely to wake of wakening during the night but ies and thus keep us awake. easily accessed through the inter- early also. will commonly say that they are 4. Create a good bedroom envi- net. If insomnia continues to be a Most insomnia is caused by un-refreshed after their night’s ronment. There should be no tele- problem, always consult your doc- other illnesses or problems and the sleep and may find themselves vision or other electronic items tor. cure is therefore treating the napping during the day. (especially mobile phones). The Illona Duffy is a GP and member of the Irish Medical Organisation 22 Liberty JUNE 2012 Know Your Rights

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS New protections and rights for temporary agency workers

Tom O’Driscoll

What are the “basic working and Who is covered by employment conditions“ referred the Act? to in the Act? Agency workers are defined as The Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act, • Pay (see further definition individuals employed by an below) employment agency under a 2012 was signed into law by the President on 16th May. • Working time contract of employment by virtue of which the individual This Act gives the right to equal treatment to temporary • Rest periods may be assigned to work for • Rest breaks and under the direction and agency workers in pay and terms and conditions of supervision of a person other • Night work than the employment agency employment. Pay can be claimed retrospectively to 5th • Annual leave i.e. the hirer. • Public holidays. A managed contract would December 2011. It also allows access to collective facilities seem to be outside the scope of the Act if it is the type of at the hirer enterprise and abolishes recruitment fees. How is pay defined in the Act? contract whereby the contrac- tor genuinely supervises and • Basic pay manages the workers on a day- to-day basis e.g. facilities man- • Shift premium agement company for securi- • Piece work ty/cleaning. • Overtime However, each and every oper- ation would need to be scruti- • Unsocial hours worked nised to ensure that the man- • Hours worked on a Sunday. aged aspect is a not “sham” designed to circumvent the Furthermore, if the agency Act. worker is covered by a future Employment Regulation Order Also excluded by the Act are (ERO) or Registered Employment work placements adminis- Agreement (REA), the Act does tered by FAS, National not undermine the right to sick Internship Scheme or any pay, pension or any other condi- vocational training, integra- tion provided by the ERO or tion or retraining scheme, REA. financed out of public monies as specified by Ministerial Order. What is not covered as “pay” for the What are the purposes of the Act? entitlements of Sick pay, pension schemes and financial participation schemes. agency workers? Agency workers are now from Demo outside day one of their contract of the Dáil calling What is the excep- employment entitled to the for equal rights same basic working and for agency tion known as workers in 2008 employment conditions as if ‘The Swedish they had been hired directly by the hirer under a contract Derogation’? of employment. This is in respect of pay only. The wording in the Act is sim- Section 6(2) of the Act basically ilar to the European Directive says that if an agency worker is on Temporary Agency Work employed under a permanent (2008) which gives it effect. contract with the agency and is Main provisions of the new Act... paid between assignments then The important issue to note the equal treatment provisions do here is that the agency worker not apply. has no comparator for the pur- •Equal pay and equal treatment from day one poses of the Act but enjoys the There are, however, certain mini- same basic pay and conditions •Accumulation of service and entitlements mum requirements that must be had he/she been recruited met before this derogation directly by that undertaking to •Access to collective facilities applies. do the same work currently These are: being done on that particular •Abolition of recruitment fees assignment. • The worker must have a perma- nent contract of employment with the agency. Liberty 23 Know Your Rights JUNE 2012

• The contract must have been given to the Can agency workers agency worker before the first assignment. access facilities ordinarily • The agency must pay at least half the pay (but at least the minimum wage) the work- available to direct er would have received at his or her last assignment between assignments. employees at an enter- prise? What are the Yes. The Act states in Section 14 that the anti-avoidance hirer cannot treat the agency workers “no less favourably in relation to access to col- provisions? lective facilities and amenities. The col- Under Section 7 of the Act, agency work- lective facilities and amenities are not ers on a series of assignments with the listed in the Act but it would be assumed same hirer cannot be assumed to be put to include childcare facilities, canteens, back on a new contract each time a new gyms, transport facilities etc.” assignment commences. The agency worker is also entitled to be This would, in effect, deny the worker the given full information about job vacan- opportunity to accumulate service and cies with the hirer in the same manner as other entitlements under employment it is given to the directly employed work- law and is not allowed. However, a three- ers. month break between assignments would have such an effect. Can a collective How is a case taken agreement between the against an employer who employer and trade union contravenes the Act? The agency is liable with regard to contra- allow derogation from the ventions of the pay and conditions provi- Act? sions while the hirer is liable for contra- ventions of the access to information and Yes, in the same manner as it is allowed collective facilities provisions. under the Organisation of Working Time Act. This involves registration at the If the hirer fails to provide the necessary Court but the Court is obliged to ensure information to the agency for the applica- that the appropriate checks and balances tion of equal treatment, then the hirer apply and that the agreement respects the and not the agency becomes liable. Galyna Korytkory, Iryna Lapshynal and Mary McBride from the Fair Deal for overall protection of temporary agency Cleaners Campaign stand in front of Jim Larkin’s statue in Dublin to mark The agency worker(s), or trade union act- International Justice Day for Cleaners on Friday, 15th June. Photo: Photocall Ireland workers before an agreement is regis- ing on their behalf, must submit their tered. complaints to a Rights Commissioner service within six months of the alleged contravention with a subsequent appeal What about hiring to the Labour Court. SIPPTU or recruitment fees Last Word... MEMBERSHHIP charged to the agency This is not an exhaustive list of the provi- SERVICES sions under the Act and neither should it worker by be used as a legal guide, but instead sets the agency? out the main provisions on the bottom line entitlements for an agency worker. These are now abolished under Section 13. The first port of call for further informa- tion should be the SIPTU official or activist. The mission for trade unionists, as always, is to seek to achieve fair pay and conditions for workers above statuto- ry thresholds. Tom O’Driscoll is Head of SIPTU Legal Rights Unit.

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HEALTH & SAFETY Poor manual handling is top cause of injuries in workplace By Sylvester Cronin

ANUAL handling third of all accidents are manual that this is done and ask to see the underpins this requirement where it healthcare sector look very good and in the workplace handling related. The resultant written risk assessment, as is their states, inter alia, – “An employer contain interesting case studies, is extremely average time absent from work is right. shall: entitled Guidance on the important, as its about 10 weeks, with a significant In carrying out such risk assess- (a) take appropriate organisational Management of Manual Handling in impact is seen in number never returning to work ments employers must take into measures, or use the appropriate Healthcare. Anyone connected with M again because of their injuries. consideration the general principles means, in particular mechanical the heath sector should check out virtually all workplaces. Poor manual handling practices These statistics are similar in the UK. of prevention which are outlined in equipment, to avoid the need for the this guide. can have a high risk of injuries that The costs of manual handling Schedule 3 of the Act. Note that manual handling of loads by the In these times of economic crisis, in turn have the potential to cause injuries are fairly substantial – in providing training is the last of the employer’s employees…” employers are seeking ways of very serious harm to a worker. 2008, there were 972 employer lia- nine principles – there are some The Health and Safety Authority reducing or eliminating expendi- While a manual handling injury bility claims with a total award of has developed some very useful tures – but cutting back on occupa- may not be life-threatening, it could €31.4m, averaging around €32,000 guidelines which are available tional safety and health is not a turn out to be life-lasting. per case. online and free-of-charge. clever thing to do. Manual handling is frequently In the health sector, the cost of 35 ‘Cutting back They are endeavouring to focus Injuries Board Chief Executive, regarded as lifting something heavy manual handling claims was esti- these guidelines on a sector basis so Patricia Byron, warned: “Cutting cor- but the term covers a much wider mated at €2m in 2007, averaging on occupational as to have maximum relevance and ners on employee safety is a cut too range of activities. A useful defini- around €57,000 per case. effect. far”. tion is, “any transporting or support- The avoidance of these manual safety and I would encourage safety repre- In this era of crisis every advan- ing of a load by one or more employ- handling injuries is achievable if sentatives, shop stewards and work- tage in term of productivity, unit ees which includes lifting, putting employers carry out proper risk health is a cut ers to visit the HSA website at costs and competitiveness is essen- down, pushing, pulling, carrying or assessments in each of their work- too far...’ www.hsa.ie to view these guidelines tial – all of these are enhanced when moving a load, which by reason of its places as is required by occupational and download them as appropriate. occupational safety and health is characteristics or unfavourable safety and health (OSH) legislation. One criticism I would make is that properly and effectively managed. ergonomic condition, involves risk”. Under Section 19 of the Safety, it appears that there was little or no It is estimated that up to four In Ireland, manual handling con- Health and Welfare at Work Act engineering interventions that are trade union input into these guide- times the cost of safety and health tinues to be the highest cause of 2005, employers are obliged to carry required beforehand. lines, particularly in the case of can be returned in savings – making reportable injuries, i.e. those that out risk assessments and consult Regulation 69 of the Safety, Health those dealing in the hospitality expenditure on OSH a wise invest- cause four plus days absence from with workers and their representa- and Welfare at Work (General industry. ment in economic terms not to men- work. It is estimated that over one- tives. Workers should always insist Application) Regulations 2007 The guidelines developed for the tion the impact on human suffering. Liberty 25 International JUNE 2012 The battle ahead must be waged within Europe

YRIZA MP Despina unions. Trade unions [in Greece] Syriza, was to get the youth Charalampidou is a have really limited union power in involved. Young people didn’t just modest woman. the private sector of the economy; wake up one day and say, ‘We are Addressing Irish in the public sector we have 100% going to follow Syriza’. Much effort left-wing activists at membership in the trade unions. was put into gaining their sup- S “I’m going to tell from my heart, port.” a meeting in Wynn’s Hotel in late May, she apologised if this is my opinion – it is not a According to Charalampidou, the her translated answers were Syriza opinion – that if we do not other key factor in building sup- organise the working class in the port for the Left in Greece has been not clear enough – “I’m only private sector, then the best of Left a working class lady and not the 14 general strikes and numer- governments can still not achieve ous other industrial actions which a career politician,” she anything.” explained. Following elec- have convulsed the country since A mother of two children in their the onset of the crisis in 2008. tions on Sunday 17th June, But the Greek crisis has also pro- Syriza emerged as the second vided an opportunity for the largest party although it has “If we do not organise extreme right, in the form of neo- refused to enter government. Nazi Golden Dawn, to organise. Elected to the Greek parliament the working class in Charalampidou said she was for the first time on 6th May to the private sector, largely unconcerned with the large represent the city of Thessaloniki vote this neo-Nazi outfit achieved she has behind her a life time of then the best of Left among members of the Greek mili- trade union and political activity. tary and police, adding, “We regard From a left-wing family back- governments can still that as normal.” ground, her trade union involve- not achieve any- The “really high percentages of ment led her into activity with the 10% or 12%” Golden Dawn Greek Communist Party (KKE). thing.” Syriza MP achieved “in some urban centres – Charalampidou left the KKE in Despina mostly in poor areas – is a lot more the early 1990s, remaining an Charalampidou 20s, her son was among 28,000 worrying for me.” activist in the various coalitions claims tasks Greeks who left their homeland in ahead is to that have sought to unite the April. This makes her particularly She believes the key to any Syriza Rally June 2012 change Europe future success for the Left must be Greek left since then. Photo: Mehran Khalili concerned about the need to organ- Her current position is that no ise young people, a constituency an acceptance of change. single left party has a monopoly on among which Syriza has had some “Because a goal has been the correct strategy to respond to notable successes. achieved in one way, that is not the the current crisis. comrades who say no to the euro workers and the peoples.” Charalampidou pointed out that way it will always be achievable. She said: “We must listen to but as Syriza we concluded that the The leader of her local textile the wave of youth protests, which “We have to approach people everyone. The left has a lot of voic- battle has to be within Europe in workers’ union, Charalampidou originated in Spain in 2011 and better – the trade unions should be es and many ideological currents order to create a common struggle believes that the progressive then spread to Greece, was largely more suitable for the new genera- within it. We obviously must listen together with the other peoples of change in Greece can only come organised on the internet. tion. They must ‘fish’ for people to everybody and strike a balance.” Europe and to accomplish change about through mobilising the trade However, she added: “Syriza was but in a very smart and sophisticat- On the key debate within Syriza in the architecture of Europe. union movement. there to support it and organise ed way. on Greece’s relationship to the EU, “Instead of the Europe of the “I believe that the working class every day meetings, concerts, “Otherwise the new generation Charalampidou said: “There are bankers and big capital as we have only has one area where it can speeches on the economy etc. The will not come and without the new today, we aim for a Europe of the mobilise and that is through the goal, and now the achievement of generation there is no future.”

Section of the audience at the inaugural Kilkenny Council of Trade Union’s May Day festival conference Conference tackles austerity HE Kilkenny jobs and the economy, while ness of the trade union mes- Council of INMO General Secretary Liam sage” – will become an annual Trade Unions Doran spoke on health and Joe fixture. marked the McKeown of INTO tackled edu- In local media coverage of the May Day festival by stag- cation. conference Paddy Kavanagh T The 21st May event, held in ing a special conference and SIPTU’s Phil Funchion, Kilkenny’s Newpark Hotel, was who is secretary of the local on the impact austerity chaired by Paddy Kavanagh of Trades Council, underlined the policies were having on the TEEU. the lives of workers. Conference organisers hope important protections given to SIPTU General President Jack the event – aimed at “broaden- workers through membership O’Connor fielded questions on ing the scope and public aware- of trade unions. 26 Liberty JUNE 2012 Colombia Hopes grow for peace after 40 bloody years

ENS of thousands In late May a delegation from the Colombians for Peace group greeted them at the Mansion House. of Colombians took While in Dublin the delegation part in a 'patriotic visited Ireland to brief political leaders and trade unionists on visited Liberty Hall where they met march' through the streets of Bogotá on growing hopes for an end to the long-running conflict in their with SIPTU General Secretary, Jack T O’Connor, and discussed the plight Monday, 23rd April. The event marked the launch of homeland. Scott Millar reports of Colombian trade unionists. the National Patriotic Colombia once had one of the Council (CPN), a new coali- Following this, the main guerrilla Cepeda Castro, Dr Carlos Lozano could to support the promotion of group, FARC, released its last securi- Guillen and Marleny Orjuela trav- peace in Colombia. strongest trade union movements tion of more than 1,000 in South America. Since 1986 more Colombian left-wing social ty force prisoners. The smaller ELN elled to Ireland in late May. The visit The following day the delegation and political organisations. guerrilla group has also stated that it was organised by the Irish section of travelled to Dublin where they met than 3,000 trade unionists have is willing to agree a bilateral peace the Justice for Colombia solidarity the Minister of State for Foreign The creation of the CPN is the lat- been murdered by right-wing para- deal with the government. group. Affairs, Joe Costello, and officials est piece in the jigsaw of a develop- Among the groups leading the At a meeting in Belfast on from his department, the Joint militaries. ing peace process in Colombia. It search for a political solution to the Monday, 21st May, Northern Ireland Committee for Foreign Affairs and The delegation also spoke to follows statements by the country’s conflict is the Colombians for Peace. First Minister, Peter Robinson, and Trade, and representatives of various Liberty about their personal experi- right-wing President, Juan Manuel A Colombians for Peace delegation Deputy First Minister, Martin political parties. The Lord Mayor, Santos, that he believes a political ences of the Colombian conflict and comprising Congressman Ivan McGuinness, pledged to do all they Andrew Montague, also formally solution to the conflict is possible. the search for peace.

Ivan Cepeda Castro it does not deal with the roots of the MOVICE spokesperson conflict then we will probably have the continuation of some form of violence. “The violence will mutate like it Agrarian did in Central America were it became social violence or organised crime. “There are three key problems for reform politics in Colombia. We have the need for the reform of the rural key for world. The ownership of land is “If the war ends then peace Colombia would have been able to get over that lasts its worst problem which ONGRESSMAN Iván is violence. But if the Cepeda Castro is the solution is superficial spokesperson of the Movement of Victims and it does not deal Cof State Crimes with the roots of the (MOVICE). He was elected to the Colombian Congress for conflict then we will Bogotá in parliamentary elec- tions in 2010 representing probably have the the Alternative Democratic continuation of some Pole political party. It was Castro’s family back- form of violence.” ground which drew him into politi- Colombian Congressman cal involvement. Ivan Cepeda Castro’s father “I am the son of family which was murdered by right-wing massively over concentrated, with was always socially and politically paramilitaries 1% of the population owning 60% of committed. My mother was a coun- the land. This in itself generates and cillor in Bogotá and my father was a feeds the conflict. There is also the Senator. They were both members dedicated myself to human rights But Castro believes another well, the ELN has stated it would issue of the need for greater real of the Colombian Communist Party. work, firstly looking at the case of opportunity for peace has arisen in like to sign a bilateral ceasefire with democracy which would allow for a “I was a university professor the Patriotic Union and the left. Colombia. “I think it is positive that the government. genuine political opposition to until my father was killed in 1994. “The extermination of the the present government has recog- All of this gives us hope and organise. He was the last living congressman Patriotic Union was in fact a political nised the existence of an internal enthusiasm, with the Patriotic “Thirdly, a greater limit must be of the Patriotic Union. The Patriotic genocide which had serious conse- armed conflict in Colombia. It may March movement also providing a placed on US interference and Union was part of an earlier peace quences. Firstly, it halted the peace seem incredible but the previous new space for activism, particularly involvement in the conflict, as well process in the 1980s. Seven other as in Colombian political and social process and secondly it made the president, Alvaro Uribe, had refused within rural communities.” senators and congressmen and two life. Without a doubt the US is a fac- presidential candidates from this FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces to recognise this. The future is, however, still very tor in the conflict in our country. political organisation, as well as of Colombia) guerrillas think there “There is also the fact that the uncertain, according to Castro. “These three conditions are the thousands of members, were killed was no real possibility of legitimate FARC recently released its last mili- “If the war ends then Colombia minimum conditions for a lasting by right-wing paramilitaries. political activity and therefore inten- tary hostages and has made a com- would have been able to get over its peace and if they are not achieved “From the time of the killing of sified the conflict,” Castro told mitment that it will no longer kid- worst problem which is violence. we will then probably enter a new my father my life changed and I Liberty. nap people for economic reasons. As But if the solution is superficial and cycle of violence.” Liberty 27 Colombia JUNE 2012

Marleny Orjuela Carlos Lozano Asfamipaz President Voz editor and lawyer Violence must end first

ARLOS Lozano is a Santos and the previous president, Lozano explains: “It is very diffi- lawyer and editor of Alvaro Uribe, is that he is a calmer, cult to talk about a true freedom of Voz, a popular more civilised president but he the press in Colombia when we are Colombian left- doesn’t represent a change of poli- continually threatened. There have Cwing weekly maga- cy.” been bombing attempts on Voz’s zine. He has been a leading Lozano sees the role of the pro- offices and our journalists do not figure in the search for peace gressive media, such as his own have freedom of movement for over 20 years and lives Voz magazine, as crucial to assist- throughout the country. under constant threat from ing peace. “In that sense even though free- right-wing paramilitaries. In “A media, such as ours, should dom of the press is written into the May, his political opponents push for a peace process and push constitution, they are really dead issued a $200,000 bounty for for a greater stability in such a letters. There is no action behind this murder. process. In other words, do the the legal status.” Speaking to Liberty before opposite of the big media which try Although Lozano believes the addressing ICTU activists in to feed the war, feed confrontation path to peace for his own country Dublin, Lozano said: “It is still too and encourage hatred. must by its nature be unique, he early to say whether or not any “So our role is to seize on what- was encouraged by his visit to potential future peace process in ever small glimmers of hope there Belfast and the successes of the Colombia might be successful, no might be…for example Santos has Northern Ireland peace process. matter how much we would want it said he holds the key to peace in “The Irish peace process is spo- to be.” his hand. ken about quite a lot in Colombia. However, Lozano believes “a “We have to try and stimulate It is a reference point. The govern- space for dialogue” between the that as well as the other small ges- ment of Juan Manuel Santos refers various sides involved in the 40- tures that have been made in the to it frequently. However, there is

SIPTU General President Jack O’Connor greets Marleny Orjuela before the meeting in Liberty Hall Pictures: ICTU/John Chaney Unilateral FARC move must spark government talks MARLENY Orjuela is the agreement, which resulted in the Editor and lawyer Carlos President of Asfamipaz, an FARC releasing 349 police and mili- Lozano speaking in Dublin organisation which repre- tary personnel and the release of during last month’s visit by another 52 by the smaller ELN Colombians for Peace group sents the families of security personnel held by rebel guerilla group. groups. She has, in recent “The agreement had been that the years, become something of a guerrillas would release 55 captives and in exchange 15 guerillas held in tone and the actions of the guerril- no possibility of copying it. There is heroine in Colombia for her sons would be freed. year long conflict has opened. tireless work trying to negoti- government pri “Under the current government las which point towards the possi- no model of a peace process we can However, in a unilateral move, the of (President) Juan Manuel Santos bility of dialogue.” just follow, not even in Latin ate the freedom of soldiers guerillas freed a further 300 cap- there are some very timid, small How the progressive media oper- America.” and police held by the guerril- tives. hints that progress is possible. He believes the key lesson from las. “This left 47 police and military They are very small and it is still far peace processes throughout the Orjuela began her work in 1998 personnel held by the guerillas. after her cousin was among those too early to say whether they might globe is that violence must be halt- Unfortunately, we had two terms of “It is still too early captured by the FARC when the be successful.” ed before progress can be made. a president called Álvaro Uribe who guerrillas overran the garrison in the But Lozano is under no illusions to say whether or not “New problems will arise and insisted on no negotiations with the structural problems will continue town of Miraflores, about 400 miles guerrillas and the military rescue of about the Colombian President any potential future southeast of Bogota. but they can be resolved through a those held – something which who was elected in 2010, claiming She said; “My organisation was peace process in political life which occurs without Asfamipaz opposed. he represents “continuity with the set up after the kidnapping of 129 long line of previous govern- Colombia might be weapons. “On 2nd April this year the last 10 police and military personnel in captives held by the FARC, for ments”. “I don’t think that we have to Miraflores. He added: “These governments successful, no matter resolve all of the problems to get to between 12 and 14 years, were uni- “The need arose for a legally con- laterally released. We hope this uni- all had neo-liberal agendas that peace but we need to resolve the how much we would stituted independent group which lateral release will prompt a dia- favoured transnational corpora- essential problems. In Colombia want it to be.” did not represent the interests of logue with the government. tions, the Colombian oligarchy and these are to do with democracy, the government but which sought which does not really exist in “If peace is achieved the rural to a large extent fell in line with US the freedom of those who had been areas, the so-called red zones, which Colombia, and some social prob- foreign policy and promoted US kidnapped. So the relatives of the have been most affected by the con- ates in Colombia is not just ham- lems which are part of the roots interests in the region. captured soldiers and police set up flict would be able to undergo agrar- pered by economic barriers. and origin of the conflict.” “Perhaps the difference between such a group. ian reform. With peace there would “Through much perseverance we have to also be significant economic achieved the 2001 humanitarian and social reform.” 28 Liberty JUNE 2012 International Arab Spring enters volatile Summer

It was also going to have a signifi- sition calling for a “second revolu- crossed the Egyptian border and icy debates in the November US cant say in the writing of a future tion” to finish the complete transfer killed one worker. Two Palestinians election. constitution. of power to civilian authority. were killed by Israeli troops. Earlier this month U.N. Under- By David Lynch This move by the military, com- Alongside this anger there was Israel continued its policy of Secretary-General for Peacekeeping bined with the controversial disso- some genuine relief among support- attacks on the Gaza Strip later that Operations Herve Ladsous said he lution of the elected parliament by ers of the revolution that rival can- day with a missile assault killing would characterise the violence in judicial decree, led many to slam didate Ahmed Shafiq did not win. another four Palestinians. Syria as a civil war. ITH talk of a the military for engaging in a “soft Shafiq was ousted dictator Hosni Israel has signaled concerns over The regime in Damascus and the coup”. Mubarak’s final Prime Minister and a possible Muslim Brotherhood vic- opposition “Free Syrian Army” “soft coup” in the Egyptian election- and Egypt and the many felt a vote for him would be a tory in exchanged accusation and counter UN declaring vote for counter-revolution. how that could affect the long accusation over a series of bloody that Syria had With Mursi winning little more incidents in recent weeks. W than 50% of the vote, following a The UN has called on Damascus officially A Shafiq defeat may entered a “civil war” these mean less street clash- very bitter campaign Egypt seems As the weeks go by, to cease the shelling of cities and are troubling days for the so more divided than ever since the has removed its monitors in reac- es in the short term. January revolution. the crisis in Syria tion to violations by both sides of a called Arab Spring. A Shafiq defeat may mean less continues to become Kofi Annan backed peace plan. In Cairo, ‘Liberty’ was in Tahrir However, a big con- street clashes in the short term. Opposition forces have charged Square on the blistering hot morn- frontation between the a more international However, a big confrontation Bashar al-Assad's army with mas- ing after the historic presidential affair, with the Brotherhood and the between the Brotherhood and the sacre and ethnic cleansing while elections in which Muslim military leadership in military leadership in the medium United States and Damascus claims the rebels are ter- Brotherhood member Mohammed term is a strong possibility. Russia deeply divided rorists, supported by foreign inter- Mursi emerged victorious. the medium term is a As the economy continues to ests. His supporters jumped for joy in on the issue. strong possibility. slow, with increasing pressures on As the weeks go by, the crisis in the geographical heart of the working people’s wages, especially Syria continues to become a more Egyptian Revolution carrying pic- those in the tourist sector, problems standing Camp David peace accords international affair, with the United tures of their man, the first demo- States and Russia deeply divided on mount in Cairo. between the nations. cratically elected President in the issue. The Muslim Brotherhood domi- With yet more parliamentary elec- Elsewhere in the Arab world, the Egypt’s modern history. Over 10,000 people have died in nated parliament had its doors tions now needed later in the year it situation in Syria descended into However, there were deep con- the violence that began in March closed by the military following the is expected to be an unpredictable further chaos and bloodshed. Calls cerns over an announcement made 2011. shocking decision by the Egyptian summer in the Arab world most for “western intervention” on the by the military leadership on the *David Lynch is the author of “A Supreme Court. populous nation. side of the opposition forces, have night of the election outlining how Divided Paradise An Irishman in the As a result of these developments, On the morning of the election become stronger on the Republican they intended to limit the powers of Holy Land (New Island Books). He some analysts say that the new result there were deadly clashes on right in the United States. And the new President. has reported from Cairo since President Mursi will have little the Egyptian Israeli border. Israeli Syria, as well as Iran and its “nuclear The military was to keep powers October. power. There are some in the oppo- authorities claimed militants had intentions” could be significant pol- in areas of budget, defence and war. www.davidlynchwriter.com The Bolivian water wars Even the Rain The film left substantial benefits to (Tambien la llluvia) the communities in which it was Directed by Icíar Bollaín filmed. Cast: Gael García Bernal, Pay for each extra appearing in the Najwa Nimri, Luis Tosar, film was set by local communities, Juan Carlos Aduviri who put forward what they thought Spanish Rated 15A was appropriate remuneration for the work. Director The realism on offer in the movie Iciar Billain THE water wars which is accounted for by the research shook Bolivia in 2000 undertaken by Laverty in Bolivia, form the backdrop of this where he interviewed many of the ambitious film. leaders of the water campaign. Written by Paul Laverty, the Many of the film’s extras were active Scotsman who wrote the 2006 in the water campaign. release The Wind that Shakes The style of character develop- the Barley, Even the Rain uses ment will be familiar to those who real footage of the water wars, know Laverty’s work. which adds to the sense of He introduces a series of dilem- authenticity of the story. mas which test the characters’ moral The film tells the story of two views. The audience may be sur- Mexican film-makers, director prised about how they react. Scene from Sebastián (Gael García Bernal) and movie The film is timely – with a new executive producer Costa (Luis company set up to manage water in Tosar), who travel to Bolivia to Ireland, and the introduction of make a film of the original Spanish water charges on the agenda, the conquest of Bolivia. threat of water privatisation looms Things quickly get complicated large here. when Daniel (Juan Carlos Aduviri), But the film steers clear of intro- who plays the leading rebel resist- ducing a straightforward political ing the conquest gets deeply lesson. The message of the film is involved in the anti-water privatisa- more complex and much deeper tion campaign. than this, and the twists contained Speaking on the film at the in the plot will surprise and keep Gael Garcia Dublin premiere organised in early the attention of the audience. Bernal, left June by the Latin American Paul Dillon Solidarity Centre, Laverty explained the experience of filming in Bolivia. Liberty 29 Obituaries JUNE 2012

OBITUARY Sheila Conroy Blazing the trail for women SHEILA Conroy, who died in Patrick’s Institution Visiting active role until recently, serving as for several years. May, aged 95, was many things Committee. Originally from Bantry, chairwoman on several occasions. It is the People’s College which is in her long life – hotel worker, she worked as a waitress in Cork, She became organiser/secretary of her most enduring monument and trade unionist, a women’s where she helped organise hotel the People’s College in 1969 at the she devoted her considerable energy activist, Labour Party member, workers in the city to join the invitation of Ruaidhrí Roberts, gen- and skills to ensuring first its sur- wife, widow, an adult educator ITGWU. eral secretary of the Irish Congress vival and then its continuing suc- and a prison visitor. In 1944, she moved to Dublin and of Trade Unions (ICTU) and became cess. She had many “firsts” – the most continued to be active in the ITGWU, its President in 1988. Sheila encouraged the develop- significant being that she was the culminating in her election to the In that year she was awarded an ment of the debating society and set first woman to be elected to the Irish Executive. She was obliged to resign honorary fellowship by the College up the People’s College choir, which Transport & General Workers' Union from her union position on her mar- of Industrial Relations. And in 2001, was the apple of her eye. National Executive Council in 1955. riage to John Conroy in 1959 but an honorary degree was conferred The choir did her proud at her Sheila was the first women to be maintained her interest in promot- on her by NUI Maynooth. funeral, singing at the Mass and Union organiser and adult educator. appointed Chair of RTE, and the first ing women’s rights. She saw her involvement with then singing her favourite song – woman appointed to chair a state Her husband’s death in 1969 led Aontas and Foras Eireann as part of The Banks of my Own Lovely Lee – could. body. her into new directions towards the her commitment to promoting as she was lowered into her final Her contribution to the life and Added to that, she served on the activities which occupied the latter adult, workers and community edu- resting place beside her husband in success of her College will be long Commission on the Status of part of her long life. cation. She was an active participant Deansgrange Cemetery. remembered. Women, the Commission on Adult She was a founder member of in the work of the IFWEA The last years of her life were chal- She is survived by her step-daugh- Education, the Health Education NAWI (National Association of (International Federation of lenging but Sheila fiercely held on to ters, Kathleen Gormley and Bureau, the Rents Tribunal and St Widows in Ireland) and played an Workers’ Educational Associations) her independence as long as she Margaret Murphy.

OBITUARY Michael Scanlon Deep thinker and committed activist MICHAEL Scanlon, who died In 1990, Michael was elected to delighted when he was elected pensions and travel. on 10th May, 2012, spent the Regional Executive Committee National Vice President of the His standing with his fellow col- most of his life working with representing the Munster area fol- Retired Members’ Section leagues was again recognised when Dairygold in the Milling lowing the formation of SIPTU. Committee in 2011 – an honour he only recently he was selected to rep- Section where he developed His work, commitment and his truly deserved. resent them on the newly-estab- an interest in the ITGWU. affable manner were admired by all Michael was also active in the lished Cork District Committee. He was a very active shop stew- his colleagues and resulted in Cork Branch of the Irish Senior His wealth of knowledge and ard, always striving to improve pay Michael being elected Vice Citizen’s Parliament and was a dele- commitment will be greatly missed and conditions of employment and President of the Executive gate to the Parliament’s National by all his colleagues and friends became active in the local Committee from 2000 to 2002 and Delegate Conference on many occa- here in Cork, but also throughout Mitchelstown Branch. as President in 2002 to 2004. sions. the country. Serving as the Honorary Branch For most people when they retire Michael passionately believed Michael was a wonderful, caring Secretary for a period, Michael also from work they take a well- that senior citizens deserved to live and compassionate colleague whom served as a delegate to the national deserved rest. However, for Michael in dignity and respect and no more we all were so proud to call a friend. body for the dairy industry for this was never even considered as so than in the area of health care. His great work on behalf of thou- many years, where he sought to pro- an option. He was trenchantly opposed to sands of workers and their families mote quality employment in the Instead, he joined the Retired the privatisation of our health care is greatly appreciated and I hope industry. Members’ Section in Cork, where system and campaigned tirelessly will be of comfort to Michael’s fam- Michael He was widely respected as a he eventually was elected as with his retired colleagues for qual- ily, daughters Michelle, Susan and Scanlon – Secretary and then as a delegate to ity affordable public provision of son James, his sister Ann and his a wonderful, deep thinker and for his ability to caring and influence decisions and solutions to the National Committee. nursing home beds and eldercare in extended family and friends. compassion- what sometimes seemed intractable Again his many talents were put the community. Among very many Joe O’Flynn, ate colleague problems. to good use and I know he was other issues were campaigns on SIPTU General Secretary

OBITUARY Teófilo Stevenson Cuba’s patriot boxer they couldn’t buy IN THE iconography of post- won. Ali was in the fading days of his million dollars worth compared to the Batista regime. revolutionary Cuba, one ath- brilliant career and Stevenson, at 22, the love of eight million Cubans?" Around that time Castro declared lete stands above many oth- had just won the first of the three When the Cuban team arrive in professional boxing, for so long a ers alongside Fidel Castro Olympic gold medals that would London for the Olympics, they will sporting staple of the island, illegal. and Che Guevara. secure his place in boxing history, have no Stevenson, no obvious talis- From there on, glory would be When the greatest heavyweight in with a murderous right hand and man of their revolution. unpaid but universal. the history of amateur boxing, exquisite ring skills. They will have a strong, well- For Stevenson, there was never Teófilo Stevenson, died recently at For a big man, he moved with the drilled team capable of again win- any question of abandoning Cuba. the age of 60, he took with him a lit- grace that Ali had once owned. ning several medals on behalf of Not only was he a believer, he was tle of the past that probably will Although there were clear differ- their 10 million compadres. They actually adored in his own country. never be revisited. ences between the skills of the will enjoy the adoration of the box- He was feted by the government, It is hard to imagine in this era of three-round amateur sport and the ing community and, inevitably, will indulged in an idyllic life among readjustment after the Cold War that longer version of professional box- be tempted by the fruits of the west. people who asked no more of him any athlete who would so dramati- ing, the call on who would have pre- Some might not resist that tempta- than he stay. cally attach his loyalty to his ideals vailed ultimately was irrelevant; tion. Stevenson owed everything he the way Stevenson did in 1974, Stevenson's real victory arrived in a Teófilo – whose father boxed had to boxing and a regime that saw when the American boxing promot- single sentence. before the revolution, when the Mob in its raw appeal an instrument of ers Bob Arum and Don King tried, As famous as he was as a boxer, he ran the professional sport and laun- propaganda, as well as a reason to separately, to entice him away from would become an international stan- dered its money in the nightclubs of feel proud. Cuba to fight Muhammad Ali. dard bearer of the left with a short Havana – first stepped into a ring, It was a mutually pleasant arrange- Glory unpaid but universal Had he gone, he might well have and eloquent declaration: "What is a aged nine, two years after the fall of ment. (Courtesy Guardian news service) 30 Liberty JUNE 2012 Sport

Mario Balotelli has threatened to walk off the pitch if subjected to racial taunts. Photo courtesy of Steindy. Racism 2 UEFA 0... and it’s not even half time yet By Tom O’Driscoll SPECTRE is haunt- racism at EURO 2012. The prospects press unveils a worrying stoical week one. Black players in the Oleg Blohkin, the Ukrainian ing the European are somewhat bleak. approach. Dutch squad were subjected to mon- coach, has strenuously denied that Championships and Clarke Carlisle, the ex-Burnley Platini on human rights – “I don’t key calls from sections of the crowd racism is endemic among some that spectre is defender and chairman of the do politics, I do football, if I wanted at their initial training session in Ukrainian fans despite a recent BBC racism. Marx and Professional Footballers’ Association to do politics I would be a politi- Krakow. The response of UEFA was Panorama programme which EngelsA were not footie heads said in a BBC interview at the start of cian.” ` that they believed the abusive chant- showed evidence to the contrary. but I’m sure one of the great- the championships that “nobody Blokhin still remains cautious, est practitioners of socialism should be abused in the workplace – however, about answering questions would have approved the especially not racially”. about his interview with the New plagiarising and strangulation He added: “We don’t want any York Times in 2006, when he said of the famous intro to the form of discrimination at all in foot- ‘The card for “the more Ukrainians that play in Communist Manifesto for a ball. This will be a real test of UEFA the national league, the more exam- cause close to his heart. to see if they have empowered their ples for the young generation – let Ever since his urchin days as ball officials to take control of the situa- racism has to be a them learn from Shevchenko or boy and kit carrier for Edinburgh tion.” Don’t hold your breath, Blokhin and not some Zumba- club Hibernian, James Connolly Clarke! straight red – on Bumba they took off a tree, gave him remained a lifelong supporter of the Michel Platini, the UEFA presi- two bananas and now he plays in the club and his astuteness in eventual- dent, gave the usual rhetorical flour- Ukrainian League.” ly choosing the Easter Rising ahead ish about kicking racism out of foot- and off the pitch’ Blokhin is still a national coach at of Easter Road was inspired, given ball but his public comments could EURO 2012 but Balotelli is portrayed the latter day misfortunes of the be more convincing. as the enfant terrible. Hibs! Platini suggested that if Italian The Man. City striker might have He surely would recognise that his striker, Mario Balotelli, carries out Platini on racism – “This is a prob- ing was against Krakow not being done just about enough last season beloved “beautiful game” is being his threat of walking off the pitch if lem for society, not just for football, chosen as one of the Euro 2012 to deserve the reputation of being a tainted by a combination of reckless subjected to racial taunts he would and I am not the president of socie- hosts. firebrand, with a touch of eccentrici- capitalism, ultra hype and, most be given a yellow card. ty.” The Czech Republic player, ty thrown in, but his courageous invidiously of all, by racism. No one has yet received a red card Michel seems to be treading a Theodore Gebre Selassie, who has an stance against racism must be laud- Disgraceful racist taunts emanated for racism but a yellow card is threat- well-trodden path. Sepp Blatter, now Ethiopian father and Czech mother, ed. Far from sorting out racism in from the pitch last season, most ened instead to be shown to a 21- FIFA president, infamously suggest- was racially taunted by Russian this championship, the inaction of notably in the Premier League in year-old black player who had the ed that racism can be forgotten with fans – a fact identified by two moni- UEFA officials is allowing this malig- England. It was hoped that UEFA bottle to tackle racial abuse head on. a handshake. tors from Football Against Racism in nancy to blight the proceedings. might salvage the situation some- Furthermore, Platini’s response to It seems that UEFA officials have Europe (FARE). As yet no action has The card for racism has to be a questionsJohn in interviews with the taken deliberate dives already on been taken by UEFA. straight red – on and off the pitch. what by taking a strong stand against Douglas Liberty 31 JUNE 2012

SIPTU meets activists from the United Oireachtas Federation of Danish Workers – 3F grilling on Educate to be free ONE of the big successes of before being stopped by a young the Larkin Hedge School was couple in high spirits and clearly perceived the walk through Dublin city under the influence of something centre led by other than Padraig's oratory. labour historian "Did this fella conflicts Padraig Yeates. Larkin support Dev or In between Collins?" asked the of interest Padraig’s scholarly male in a strong Cork insights at various accent. SENATOR John Whelan pos- historic spots associ- Hedge School Chairman Séamus sibly went over the top at the ated with Larkin, singers and perform- Dooley explained Oireachtas committee on ers drawn from An that 1913 predated communications when he Góilin and the Clé the Civil War and interrogated Tom Savage on club sang songs and began an animated the perceived conflict of read poems. chat with the guy. His interest between Tom's role The stop at the girlfriend was less as Chairman of the RTÉ old Independent impressed by Board and his role as House offices at Jim Dooley's mini semi- Middle Abbey Street Larkin nar and insisted on Chairman of the urging Mickey to "for Communications Clinic. generated a bit of interest as Padraig Jaysus sake hurry up". Tom for his part seemed to recalled the legacy of William To which Mickey protest too much as the Labour Martin Murphy. earnestly declared: “F**k off, luv, SIPTU Services Division Organiser, John King, 3F Cleaners' man laid into him about the After the reading of Kavanagh's I'm being educated." organiser, Jane Egholm, 3F ISS convener, Ina Sloth Madsen and involvement of Terry Prone and poem to Larkin, the group moved While he might have put it differ- SIPTU National Equality and Campaigns Organiser Ethel Buckley Anton Savage, wife and son, in the on to O'Connell Street but not ently, Larkin would have approved. in Liberty Hall on Thursday, 7th June. Clinic. Clearly angry, Savage resorted to expressing pride in his past associ- ation with the Catholic Church as a priest. Liberty Crossword It was only afterwards it emerged that the Communication 1 2 3 4 5 6 Across Clinic (but NOT Tom Savage) had 7 Mitt Romney is the former governor (13) prepared the Irish Missionary 7 8 Ancient name for Ireland (8) Union in the run-up to the broad- 9 Big show (4) casting of the controversial Prime 10 Weapon used by whalers (7) Time Investigates programme 8 9 12 To make amends (5) Mission to Prey. 14 A South Dublin TD (5) Oddly, it was left to Terry not 16 Ireland's largest union for retail workers (7) Tom to say that her husband knew 19 Food for sea urchins (4) nothing about the IMU contract 1110 12 20 Loud noise can damage them (8) because there are what's known as 13 22 Dates of special significance (3, 6, 4) Chinese walls in the family run Clinic. It was hard not to ponder on 14 15 16 17 Down what Terry would have said on one 18 of her many forays to radio studios 1 Holiday Island struck by a terrorist bomb in 2002 (4) if she had been dissecting the per- 19 20 21 2 Not alert (6) formance of Tom Savage. 3 SIPTU General President (7) She'd probably have said he 4 Teófilo Stevenson's nationality (5) should have got all the facts and 5 Material made in plants near Limerick and Drogheda. (6) 22 then come clean, putting every- 6 "Hurry up!" (Three words) (4, 2 ,2) thing out there from day one – like 11 From around the globe they are heading to London (8) Ben Dunne did – and let the public decide rather than have a drip-feed 13 Obstacle (7) of information. And she'd have 15 Weapon of mass destruction used in Vietnam (6) sighed and tut-tutted about how 17 Mock (6) 18 The people of Ireland, Scotland and Wales (5) important it is to appear and sound credible. The sort of sound advice 21 In which county was NEC member Helen Murphy born? (4) she gives to people like the guys in the IMU. Correctly fill in the crossword to reveal the hidden word, contained by reading the letters in the shaded squares

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