Jim Glennon (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

Comments were made earlier about immigrant labour and we are aware of the difficulties that have arisen, but the day is not too far away when the immigrant representative groups will be around the table at the social partnership talks because they are now such a significant element in our economy and workforce. They are to be embraced and we must extend the model of co-operation and inclusion to them. That has not been done up to now but will come about in the not too distant future.

I understand the social partnership talks are under way. There are always difficulties in these situations but hopefully, as in all other years, the talks will prove successful and the contribution of the Government, in particular the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, with the Ministers of State, Deputies Michael Ahern and Killeen, in the current structure, is to be highly commended.

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