Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As I stated, I favour a good environment for dealing with stable industrial relations and for the better progress of the country.

I met the workers on the Davenport Hotel issue. As Deputy Adams will be aware, in the programme for Government we are committed to reversing the minimum wage reduction. This is a matter that is not merely budgetary. It may well require legislation and will require the approval under the programme of the IMF-EU deal and I cannot give the Deputy an exact date as to when the implementation of the reverse can become a reality. Those are the parameters of the situation.

This is an important issue for those who are locked into it and who are the subject of actions like that outlined. I understand it was not because of the decision taken that the action referred to was precipitated but I am glad it has been resolved.

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