Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

The Deputy asked a large number of questions.

I have not made a false connection. The review group recommended that the joint labour committee and employment regulation order system be radically reformed to restore competitiveness. Its report sets out inflexibilities in the system which make it difficult to respond to the changed economic circumstances. I am not making anything up. We have lost substantial numbers of jobs. Job creation is the priority for the Government but there will be no return to building more and more houses in the construction sector. We must create jobs in tourism and other export sectors in which we can build sustainable markets.

The report recommends that we must change the current system to enable employers, many of whom are hanging on by their fingernails, to avail of growing opportunities in sectors such as tourism. We must recognise that every business in the leisure and tourism sector is being compelled to change its offering by taking initiatives such as cutting rates, offering early bird deals and trying to reopen on Sundays to serve tourists who expect a seven day service. Many opportunities are developing and the report has told us that the structure we have imposed on certain segments of the retail and catering sectors is inflexible and will prevent such opportunities from being exploited. We are seeking to reform the system because jobs are our top priority. We must make choices and maximise opportunities.

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