Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)

This directive has been drafted by the EU since 2002. However, the Government, along with those of three other member states, prevented it from being passed. There are up to 30,000 agency workers in Ireland without contracts, established working conditions or the right to negotiate pay. The Polish Government has recently withdrawn its objection to the directive. The Irish Government, in a minority with the British Government, is to the forefront in blocking these rights for agency workers. How can the Taoiseach espouse entering into another social partnership with the trade union movement if this is the situation he allows at EU level? Will the Taoiseach give a clear answer as to whether the Government will continue to block a directive the EU is desperately trying to get passed?

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