Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We are going to disagree but I must state that workers are protected under our legislation and it is wrong to give the impression they are not. I cannot say any more than that the protections, legislation and staff are in place. We all agree we can increase the number of inspectors and that is what we are doing. That is where that is at.

Regarding our laws, with respect to collective bargaining, as of this moment in time and next week we will be discussing the EU directive in this space also. I will be happy to discuss that with the committee again but what we are doing today is a form of collective bargaining. I repeat it is wrong to give the impression that workers cannot seek protections. There are employment laws in this country. I have to keep saying that. It is wrong to give that impression. The Senator will scare people off using the system that is in place to protect them and to make sure their rights are protected.