Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I remind my colleagues that I will continue to do my job to the best of my ability, keep my head down and do my business representing my community. For those Members who do not remember, I represent Dublin South-West which embraces Tallaght, Firhouse, Templeogue, Greenhills, Brittas and Bohernabreena.

I was interested to hear during the previous debate on this Bill that colleagues have mixed views on the legislation. I made the point then, in the presence of the Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, that he is, to some extent, damned if he does and damned if he does not legislate. People suggest the Bill was struck in a different time and that times have now changed. Times have changed, but at the same time it is important that employment compliance remains a priority. This Bill may be subject to some tweaking and I was impressed by the Minister of State on another occasion when he said that he was prepared to listen, In fairness to him, he has demonstrated that this is the case. For those who do not know, I am a fan of the work of the Minister of State, Deputy Billy Kelleher, and I will not apologise for it.

It is important that we understand that workers have rights. On other occasions I have stated — I should probably hesitate before stating it in this company — that I bring my life experiences to politics and that in other times I worked in companies. I was made redundant on three separate occasions. I do not know whether it will happen to me again.

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