Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I am aware the trade unions have raised some issues that they are not happy with. I am aware of the fees issue and some other issues. I am also aware there are many issues that were not in the agreement but which have arisen subsequently and been implemented. That is the normal cut and thrust that goes on.

On the legislation, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Martin, has been ready to go with the employment law compliance Bill for some considerable time. There are ongoing discussions with some of the unions because they want to move beyond what was agreed. This is what is holding back the legislation. That is not to say that the unions do not have some valid points to make. The Bill is on the A list. It is a very good Bill and the Minister continues to deal with the issue.

On the compliance issue, there is not just one Bill but three. We have reached some good understandings on good, protective legislation that is good for employment law. We have moved a long way even from the strong legislation already in place. The social partnership agreement has allowed us to achieve that. I would like to see that legislation enacted in the course of this year; there is no reason it should not be.

On the national minimum wage, I remember the Irish Ferries dispute well because I was involved in the discussions on that and the surrounding issues, such as the registering of companies, flags of convenience and so on. The national minimum wage is binding on Irish companies. It has been determined by the Labour Court and the requirements in this regard have been set out clearly by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. Irish companies know that their employees, regardless of nationality, are entitled to the minimum wage. I do not know whether Irish Ferries is trying to operate as a non-Irish company because I am not familiar with the latest circumstances. The Minister, Deputy Martin, and the Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs, Deputy Kelleher, have been dealing with this issue. The Irish statute position is clear and well tested — the employees of Irish companies, regardless of nationality, should be paid the national minimum wage.

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