Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour)

My friend is conscious of my need to communicate this message regarding this morning's announcements that were above and beyond the terms of reference set out by the independent review of the employment regulation orders.

The Labour Party is cognisant of protecting working people in the economy. Any decision on JLC rates will be made by the Government and not one individual. We will remain faithful to our constituency and the programme for Government. We are also faithful to the country and we will ensure economic recovery is based on ensuring the domestic economy is vibrant and the people have spending power.

A Member stated that if everyone spent an extra €20 on local produce, up to 20,000 jobs would be created. Any deviation from a strategy of buying local would result in job losses. I welcome the publication of the independent review of the employment regulation orders which categorically states that reducing JLC rates will not create one extra job.

I thank my colleagues for bearing with me while I made these observations on the recovery of the economy.

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