Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

In advance of that inquiry, the Minister has briefed the Cabinet on some of the issues to which Deputy Joe Higgins has referred. Our law gives equal protection to foreign and Irish workers. It does not discriminate in any respect in favour of our indigenous population or other Europeans, as opposed to those from outside the European Union. I have no reason to doubt that the Deputy's information is correct. If it stands up when the labour inspectorate produces its report, it will be a disgrace that any workers could be treated and exploited in that fashion. Clearly, the Minister will act. I understand he has already given work permits to some of the workers in that company so they can move elsewhere and seek employment from alternative employers. The Minister will have to take advice on whether he can publish the report. He will have to bring the report to the attention of other authorities, such as the Revenue Commissioners or the director of corporate enforcement. The Minister and his Department have been in constant contact with the Deputy since he raised this issue in the House a couple of weeks ago.

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