Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The same can be said of some Members. It has been a difficult year. However, more time is needed for three strong reasons. First, the EU summit will probably decide to continue the policy of the leaders of the European establishment, which is to continue to force working-class people in this country and elsewhere in Europe to salvage a rotten financial system. The Taoiseach should report back to us and give us an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the summit. Second, approximately 250,000 low-paid workers, among the most vulnerable workers in our society, have been left without the protection of the joint labour committees and the employment regulation order system which the bosses had struck down in the Supreme Court. This is the busiest and most pressurised time of the year in the hotel and restaurant sectors and other areas. Tens of thousands in these sectors are open to pressure and exploitation. It is shameful for the national Parliament to adjourn for the summer without giving these workers the protections they need. Third, an opinion poll published this morning suggests 55% of the people are dissatisfied with the Government. Significantly, a majority of Labour Party supporters are dissatisfied.

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