Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Does the State, through the Labour Relations Commission, the Labour Court, the Employment Appeals Tribunal, the Equality Tribunal and the civil courts, not seek to ensure compliance by employers and to provide effective means of redress in cases of non-compliance? In this area, as in other aspects of our provisions, the Irish framework reflects the provisions of the broader EU social protection framework, which is perhaps the most extensive in the world. Several Governments over the years passed legislation supporting these rights in this House. Yet we are here listening to allegations which show a total disregard for the realities of Irish society. I do not believe such cavalier charges can be taken seriously.

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