Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Of course any company operating in this country should comply with the law. I also readily admit that the culture in the country now is different from that in the past. Ireland was a country of emigration and high unemployment, and we did not have foreigners working here. It is now a different economy. There is a strong argument for improving the legislation we have. We have already given that commitment to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and to SIPTU. As late as last Thursday morning the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, gave that undertaking to SIPTU. The wider issues have been addressed in discussions. A commitment was given that SIPTU and ICTU would be able to have an input and give their views on that legislation.

Deputy Rabbitte has asked me whether I would look at his party's Bill and I would. The Deputy knows I cannot introduce legislation when I have advice that it would be unconstitutional. I cannot do that. I want to resolve this issue. The question is what we can do on the flagging issue.

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