Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I refer to the question on workers' rights issues. A disappointing aspect of the debate on workers' rights has been the degree to which people glossed over the importance of the charter, which conveys significant additional rights to workers, including rights to information and consultation within an undertaking, the right of collective bargaining and action, the right of access to placement services, protection in the event of unjustified dismissal, fair and just working conditions, prohibition of child labour and protection of young people at work and in family and professional life, social security and assistance and so on. I have made the point to trade unions that, irrespective of what occurs domestically, it is illogical to suggest that a "No" vote against the Lisbon treaty advances the cause of workers. It is incomprehensible to anyone.

Let us consider the charter, which would have treaty force if it is passed. It clearly advances the cause of workers not only throughout Europe, but here too. It is the case that issues will flow from it domestically but some countries opted out of the charter because of the rights it enshrined for workers. If Ireland votes "No", it would disadvantage the position of workers and those in politics who wish to advance the cause of workers' rights in future. That would be an actual consequence of a "No" vote. It would impair the capacity of those who wish to advance the cause of workers' rights in Ireland very significantly. The fundamental issue concerning workers' rights is the charter. Having considered the matter, I am clearly of the view it represents an advance for workers.

The Employment Rights Compliance Bill is before the House and NERA, the National Employment Rights Agency, has been established as part of the Towards 2016 agreement. It is operational throughout the country and its establishment was necessary because of events involving Gama Construction and other incidents of widespread abuse. There is also a need for a practical, pragmatic approach in the current environment. I refer to the Minister of State with responsibility for labour affairs. The Taoiseach has consulted with the social partners in the context of social partnership. I understand amendments in respect of the Bill will be published in July but it is on Committee Stage as we speak. The Agency Workers Bill should be published shortly and other areas identified by Deputies Joe Costello and Eamon Gilmore are being addressed, some of which are complex, especially those emanating from court judgments last year. It is intended to publish the EDA, European Defence Agency, Bill sometime before the referendum.

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