Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday's figures from Enterprise Ireland speak volumes about the work that has been done for SMEs and the work on exports. In my area, the changes and reforms to the industrial relations machinery are very important and we should be very proud of them. It was done under the previous Government. My former colleague, the then Minister, Gerald Nash and the Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, were involved. Much good work was done to put very successful workplace machinery in place.

As Deputy Maurice Quinlivan said, areas that will feature in the near future will be the findings of the Low Pay Commission regarding the minimum wage. The Department is dealing with two areas in my remit, namely the fall-out from the Clerys workers and what we can do to prevent such situations, and the issue of zero hours contracts. We must give careful and considered thought to these two areas and ensure whatever legislation we put in place is copperfastened and strong.

I thank the Chairman, wish her well and look forward to working with her in the time ahead.