Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Can the Taoiseach assure us that, in the context of agreement being reached, we will have a full debate on the agreement in this House? Does the Taoiseach agree that as the trade union movement in all its manifestations would have to vote, entailing a substantial public debate, a full debate in this House would help to inform that wider public debate and would be seen as a constructive contribution to the core issues?

Will the Taoiseach confirm that the question of companies involved in public sector contracts being fully compliant with labour law has been raised and is one of the stumbling blocks? If so, will the Taoiseach advise us from which quarter that element comes, the Government or the employers?

Does the Taoiseach accept that workers must have cast-iron guarantees that any deal will vindicate their rights in principle and in practice? Is he aware that in 2005, 89 employers were found to be in breach of public holiday entitlements, compared to 17 in 2003 and that 40 employers were found to be in breach of annual leave entitlements in 2005 compared to eight in 2003? Does he recognise that this represents a five-fold increase in both cases, which is deeply disturbing? Does the Taoiseach accept that indicates not increased detection due to increased inspections, because there were——

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