Speaking in Leinster House, Sinn Féin Dublin North West TD Dessie Ellis hoped that a more sensible approach will be taken by Tesco, and not the confrontational one which was previously taken, which triggered almost two weeks of protest by workers.

Deputy Ellis said:

“The support shown by the public who by and large didn’t pass the pickets and supported the workers over the strike is encouraging. The resolve of the workers who I meet at Clearwater and Drumcondra is one to be applauded, as is the support given by the public and business community.

“However, I told the Government that they have failed to stand up for the workers’ rights and allowed a profitable company like Tesco to attempt to tear up hard fought agreements and contacts. This inaction by the Government is only facilitating a race to the bottom. Tesco misjudged the resolve of workers and support from the public. I don’t accept that the Government has no opinion on this issue.

“It’s time the Government should stand up for people and say this race to the bottom is wrong and the Government shouldn’t facilitate big multinational companies who are driving down wages and tearing up contacts.”

Sinn Féin TD Dessie Ellis asked Minister Ross the implications for insurance on off road vehicles arising from the Vnuk v Triglav ruling.  The ECJ interpreted the directive to mean that any motor vehicle, whether on private or public land, must be covered by third party insurance.

The Dublin North West TD said:

“Mr Vnuk who brought an action for compensation for injury in his native Slovenia as a result of an accident.  Mr Vnuk lost his claim for compensation in the domestic courts on the basis that the vehicles were only insured when in public place but appealed his claim to the ECJ. Like Ireland, the Slovenian equivalent of our road traffic legislation required vehicles to be insured when they were on the road or other public place – but not necessarily when they were on private land. this might have serious implications on off road vehicles.

“I have raised the issue of the misuse of all-terrain vehicles numerous times in the Dáil and the government and Senior Gardaí have always responded that this is already covered by legislation. Hence, I introduced a Bill called the Misuse of Vehicles in Public Spaces in 2012; this Bill was opposed by the Fine Gael Minister at the time, who, on advice, deemed it unnecessary. This contradicted the advice I was receiving from local safety forums from Gardaí and other relevant bodies which were indicating there is an anomaly in the current legislation.  Now, the current Minister needs to explain how the ECJ directive will affect both the definition of public space and the need to insure all motor vehicles on public and private land.”