Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Anyone who watched the "Prime Time Investigates" report last week was appalled at what it showed happening in some workplaces. Does the Minister of State agree that because our economy is contracting, employers, desperate to make savings, will be under pressure to exploit migrant workers? Does he agree the exploitation of these workers is not just undercutting Irish jobs, but also responsible employers trying to employ people in line with existing employment legislation?

How many labour inspectors have been appointed? The Employment Law Compliance Bill was published on 13 March 2008 but the Minister of State claims it will at least be February of next year before Second Stage is even debated. Why has there been a delay of 12 months in debating and putting this legislation in place?

Does the Minister of State agree the National Employment Rights Authority needs to increase fines and provide for more serious penalties for employers who blatantly break employment legislation? That cannot happen without primary legislation being put in place. What has the Minister of State been at that he has not brought in this legislation yet?

See this speech in context