Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan addressed the union's conference in Killarney on Thursday morning. In a wide ranging speech he described the existing process of social dialogue with Government as a “flawed and unequal” relationship and told delegates that “social dialogue is meaningless unless it produces answers to real problems.”

Kevin said successive governments have pursued an approach based mainly on “ticking the box” of consultation and presenting information on their own plans.

He added: “Sure - they listen to what we have to say, but it’s clear that our influence is very limited. The fact that tax relief on union subscriptions hasn’t been restored tells a lot about what they really think of us.

“The days of simply inviting us in when they want to talk or to pay lip service to our member’s concerns have to stop. When a relationship is so flawed and unequal, the best thing you can do is leave. I’m not interested in being part of it anymore,” he said.

Kevin said Fórsa members are interested in building a better Ireland, and that while the country has many social problems, it is nevertheless a wealthy country, and that these problems can be fixed.

He said the issues that matter to members would drive the union and “together we’ll make sure that government hears us. 

“However, this requires a willingness on the part of the political system and the permanent government to park ideological mindsets.

“It will require a shift in how they interact with the trade union movement. It must be urgent, focused and involve us. It also requires a move away from short termism to a more long-term vision for our country,” he said.