Taoiseach & Tanaiste to Address ICTU Biennial Conference in Killarney
27 Jun 2011
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has confirmed that both the Taoiseach Enda Kenny and the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore are scheduled to address its Biennial Delegate Conference (BDC), in Killarney from Monday, July 4 to Wednesday July 6.
The Taoiseach is scheduled to address the opening day of Conference, on Monday afternoon, while the Tanaiste will address the assembled delegates on Wednesday July 6.
Over 800 trade union delegates, observers and guests are expected to gather in the INEC, Killarney for the Conference. One of the key reasons that the INEC was chosen as the location for the 2011 Conference arose from its participation in the Fair Hotels initiative - www.fairhotels.ie.
Delegates to Conference will debate over 40 motions, dealing with the economy, the debt crisis, job creation, employment rights and equality, amongst other issues. The two yearly Conference is the formal policy making body of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. A full Conference schedule and a copy of motions is available at http://www.ictu.ie/bdc11/
Congress General Secretary David Begg said it was unique to have both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste both address the Conference and that both would be welcomed by delegates.
"We look forward to hearing what both the Taoiseach and the Tanaiste will have to say to Conference and, by extension, to the 800,000 working people that we represent on this island. Working people are under serious pressure and all the evidence clearly shows that the best defence for those under threat is in a union. What we need to hear from Government is evidence of a clear, coherent plan that will allow us to work our way out of this crisis.
"To date, the burden of adjustment has fallen unfairly and disproportionately on working people," Mr Begg said.
ends