Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The balance must be struck and obviously it is the law of the land. Labour inspectors are actively enforcing REAs and EROs. One must get that balance right, but at the end of the day it is in the hands of industry. For many years, JLCs were not as responsive to the needs of industry because there was a consistently upward curve. Now that there are challenges, however, they need to come together in a spirit of partnership, as has been the case. They are chaired by an independent chairperson and can bring in expertise and get assistance to strike the rates, pay and conditions that reflect the industry. I assure the Deputy that, in the context of enforcement, our labour inspectors are active. In fact, some people in this House think they are too active. It is always difficult to achieve a balance.

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