Mr. S?amus Dooley:

On the issue of contracts, there has, correctly and understandably, been a focus on bogus self-employment and I do acknowledge the support that Deputy Boyd Barrett has given on that issue. I also acknowledge his support, over many years, on the related issue of the right of freelancers to be represented and the reform of competition law.

The issue is not just bogus self-employment. It is also a use of casual irregular contracts, sole trader contracts and the notion that some people can set themselves up as companies or have agents yet be treated in a different way. I see all of those as being part of a piece. I am a firm believer in the concept of people having contracts of service and reasonable but not extravagant pay. That is also a way in which we ensure that people pay their taxes and the State benefits. All of these other schemes are designed in different ways to deny people their rights, which has many consequences. I look forward to the HR review, both in terms of what it says and because it allows us to have an informed and focused discussion on why it is that we have this variety of things. When one ask that question, one is told that is the nature of the industry; it is stardust. We need an examination of that.