Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

We have a major block of questions on social partnership and related matters. Probably the most topical question this morning is confirmation by the Taoiseach that he will sell off the Great Southern Hotels with some of them to continue in business as hotels. Even where that happens, given commentary in this morning's newspapers, we can anticipate the displacement of some of the remaining staff.

What is the Taoiseach's response to the protection of labour standards and displacement issue put at the top of the agenda by the social partners in the discussions which are under way? Is it his intention that his Government will move to deal with that concern highlighted by the trade union movement in the wake of Irish Ferries, Gama Construction, yesterday's report from the two economists establishing that displacement is going on generally in the economy and the fears expressed by the unions?

Will the Taoiseach respond to some of the measures set out in the Labour Party document? He sought a copy of the document on the date we published it. I refer, for example, to decisions on the labour inspectorate. Is it the intention to take on board the recommendation by my colleague, Deputy Howlin, that rather than establish a separate, new body, the labour inspectorate would fall under the Health and Safety Authority? I do not mean that — nor did Deputy Howlin — as a cover to maintain the low number of inspectors invigilating standards in Irish industry because clearly the number of inspectors must be increased. Will the Taoiseach respond to the suggestion in respect of the Health and Safety Authority?

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