Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is the Taoiseach aware that Aer Lingus, the former national airline which the Government privatised, has effectively torn up all notions of social partnership by indicating recently that some 1,500 workers will be let go and their work outsourced through agencies? The company proposes to bring in workers at what can only be described as yellow pack pay and conditions. Does the Taoiseach agree this is an outrage? Did he note that one of the workers involved stated the measures would tear out the heart and soul of the company and that we were witnessing Irish Ferries mark two? What steps will he take to have this disgraceful situation stopped? Surely the future of the economy will not be a continual trend of long held and hard won pay and conditions for Irish workers being frittered away by people whose motive is clearly suspect.

I listened to the Taoiseach's comments on the income levy measures announced in last week's budget. He will have noted the decision in the new partnership agreement to compensate low paid workers with an extra 0.5% on their meagre wages. This further compensation measure would amount to no more than 5 cent for somebody earning as little as €10 per hour.

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