Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

There are many issues to consider in respect of this matter but lest I forget I will answer the Deputy's specific question at the end of his contribution. We are looking for not only a statement but access to the records so we can ensure the workers' rights and moneys are secured. The Government will use the offices of the ambassador and others to secure the money.

Prior to the allegations made by Deputy Joe Higgins in February — two sets of allegations were made — with which I have no difficulty and we dealt with them the last day in the House, reassurances were given by Gama's auditors and legal advisers that workers were in receipt of the proper rates, and they were accepted by the CIF, SIPTU and BATU at the time. Following Deputy Higgins's complaints, I assured him in the House that I would ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, to seek the involvement of the inspectors in this matter and to draw up a report. That was the approach agreed in the House and it has been undertaken. The Minister received the inspector's report on 6 April. He informed me that he fully accepts the recommendations in the report, which need to be addressed by his Department and the Revenue Commissioners, the Garda Síochána and the other regulatory bodies, from which the Minister has sought and demanded support. The Government wishes to publish the report as soon as possible but is prevented from doing so by the High Court proceedings initiated by Gama. Our objective is to ensure all Gama workers, both Turkish and Irish, are given their full entitlements and that their terms and conditions of employment are according to the law and are fully implemented.

There are other issues to consider such as repatriation. The Minister met representatives of ICTU, SIPTU and the CIF today and intends to meet Gama delegates this week or early next week to discuss implementation of the recommendations of the inspector's report.

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