Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Does the Taoiseach accept that a fundamental issue in the partnership talks must be the threat to the pay and conditions of workers in Ireland posed by the EU services directive? Does he accept that the services directive represents a threat to the long-established rights of workers throughout the length and breadth of the European Union? If implemented in its current form, what we will see is private companies undercutting public service providers by employing people on the salary levels and under the conditions of their countries of origin. This is a very serious matter. Has this issue been addressed in the partnership talks? Did the Taoiseach raise the matter, as the Government signalled its intent in the partnership talks, in regard to the EU services directive? What exactly is the Taoiseach's stand on the matter? Will he oppose it as it is currently presented?

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