Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

This Government has done more than probably any government in Europe in respect of low pay. We were the first government in Europe to bring in a minimum wage. We have progressively improved that, in conjunction with the Labour Court, employers and workers. We have removed the workers from the tax net, which has had a significant effect.

In respect of the two issues mentioned by Deputy Gilmore, the National Employment Rights Authority legislation is on a non-statutory basis. The legislation is due before the House. Deputy Gilmore raised this during Question Time last week. I spoke to the Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs. I understand that they had already commenced an investigation last Tuesday into the Irish Ferries case to see if it was factual, which would not surprise me, and, if so, what arrangements were to be used to pay those workers. That is under examination.

On the inspectorate, close to the full complement of 90 people are employed. The last figure I saw was 78 but I can confirm the number with the Deputy's office.

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