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

I want to be clear about this in case somebody takes that meaning. I am happy doing what I am doing and am positive about the need for jobs in the Dublin region, particularly in Dublin South-West and Tallaght.

Deputy Costello and others referred to the issue of pressure on families and people with jobs who face the taunt that at least they have a job. It is important we listen to these people. Some of them are faced with the threat of the company they have served and to which they have been loyal considering the inability to pay clause. At the same time, there are issues that may give rise to the need for that. Some Deputies and business representatives have made the point that companies must get some assistance to keep going and maintain employment. One of my colleagues made the point last week that many small companies around the country support four or five jobs, but other companies have much larger workforces.

Everything must be done to facilitate the retention of employment in small companies. However, my jury is still out on the issue of the inability to pay clause. It is very much a matter of balance. Where a company genuinely feels it has an inability to pay, we must understand the effect that may have on the workers. Many of those who have visited me at my clinics or elsewhere have made the point that while they had a good job a year ago, their company is now under pressure and they are being told they must take a pay cut or that they must cut their hours. Times are difficult.

I said yesterday when speaking in another debate that people sometimes think this only happens in our jurisdiction. However, if one watches Sky News or CNN, one sees the same thing is happening everywhere else. In the news today all the talk is about economies I would have thought were good economies, the economies of Greece, Portugal and Spain. These countries all face similar challenges and difficulties and we should be aware of that. The issue is about retaining jobs and creating employment. It is also about protecting workers from employers who might take advantage of the current climate and treat their workers in a way they should not.

On the legislation, I understand there has been a commitment, under the social partnership agreement, Towards 2016, to a follow up review and transitional agreement. The main amendments proposed relate to the Industrial Relations Acts 1946 to 2004. I understand the amendments include introducing a set of principles and policies to which regard should be had in making proposals for an employment regulation order, ERO. The Bill also introduces a set of procedures to be followed when formulating proposals for an employment regulation order and ensures Oireachtas scrutiny of such orders and registered employment agreements, REAs.

In talking about the work of the Oireachtas I will not be drawn into the debate in the media this week. However, I listened to "The Late Debate" on Tuesday night in which two of my colleagues, Deputies Niall Collins and Joe Costello took part. Both of them skilfully and effectively supported and defended the political system against those who were saying that Monday's episode was all about the need to reform the Dáil. It is important that those who are responsible for getting a positive message out about the Houses of Oireachtas understand the challenges. We are easy targets in that regard. We are reminded by the line taken that the Oireachtas has a lot to do. I favour a process where Oireachtas committees take an active role in issues like this and issues such as nominating people to sit on State boards and committees. I have no difficulty in that regard.

I take a lot of interest in American politics, although I have never been to America. However, I have studied the American system and believe its Senate hearing system is very effective. If that kind of system could be introduced here - there is slow movement towards that in the Oireachtas - it would send out a positive message and negate some of the negative views that have been circulating since Monday. People are entitled to martyr any Member and say it means we need reform, but I have a different view. At the same time, I believe we should not be afraid to reform and to create the situation where the Oireachtas-----

See this speech in context