Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I listened carefully to the Minister of State's comments about my suggestion of a nominated officer, rather than a nominee. I take his point that he has confidence in the Labour Court's ability to make an appointment. I ask the Minister of State to reflect on the 10% minimum requirement currently contained in section 7(1)(b). I am concerned about what will happen when 10% becomes 2% in the case of a very large company. I imagine that 2% of almost any group could be classified as wildcats or as inconsiderate individuals who do not have their feet on the ground. I suggest that the Minister of State should give further consideration to the 10% provision. I would live with a minimum requirement of 10%, as opposed to 15%, if I thought the figure was not limited to that number. I am worried that the minimum provision of 100 employees will be changed to 2% of a large number. If the Minister of State retains the 10% requirement, I will live with that as long as no other number is provided for instead. Perhaps the Minister of State will give some consideration to that. I fear that 2% of the workforce of a large company could act in a manner that is not in the interests of the other 98% of employees. Therefore, it would not be democratic to provide for a minimum requirement of 100 employees.