Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to contribute in support of the Bill introduced by my colleague, Deputy O'Dea, on this important matter. I was rather confused earlier today when this issue was raised during Leaders' Questions. In his response later, perhaps the Minister will attempt to enlighten Members as to what precisely is the position of the Government and Fine Gael in this regard. The Taoiseach stated he would not oppose the Bill and while he also stated it was insufficiently robust, he gave no specifics as to what he meant. He followed up by noting he had been elected with a mandate to sort out the country's problems. A number of conflicting desires are evident and when the Minister responds, perhaps he will provide Members with greater clarity in this regard.

At the heart of the intent behind this legislation is a desire to allay the fears of more than 200,000 workers, their families and the communities in which they play a vital part. This point is of key importance and if the Government is to show leadership, having espoused the virtue of demonstrating leadership upon taking office, then actions must speak louder than words. I also question the absence of the many Labour Party Members both during Leaders' Questions today when the issue was raised and at present, when this debate on such a fundamental issue is under way. Much was heard during the general election about the working classes and about representing them and at that time, a topical spin was that Fianna Fáil did not represent the views of the working classes. This is not the case and I would not be in this Chamber unless I represented the views of the working classes. This also is true of my colleague in Limerick, Deputy O'Dea, and neither he nor I would be Members of this House without the support of the working classes. Consequently, we are following through on our commitment to support the working classes, who we represent.

It is important to place on record this issue does not simply concern people who are engaged in contract cleaning. People within my constituency are engaged as agricultural workers, in catering and hairdressing, as hotel workers and law clerks and in the retail and security industries. It is not simply something that happens in Dublin, which appears to have a concentration of the anomalies that obtained under the old joint labour committee, JLC, system. I agree that reform of the JLCs is necessary and I remind Members that Fianna Fáil introduced the JLC system in following through and protecting its origins as a political party and in support of the working classes. However, I agree one must move with the times. One must change and reflect the recommendations within the Duffy-Walsh report because sectoral and geographical anomalies exist and one must try to bring about uniformity and conformity across the country to achieve a level playing pitch.

Moreover, it is worth bearing in mind this proposed legislation also protects employers. While we represent workers and the working classes, we also represent employers and there often is a tendency to get carried away in respect of protecting employees while forgetting the vast majority of employers give employment, pay these people's wages, look after their welfare and are concerned about them. Such employers are protected by bringing forth this legislation because they then are protected from the rogue employers who may target these vulnerable people. Consequently, it is important that Members get clarity from the Government side.

It has been noted the Government had the option to appeal the judgment which struck down the JLCs. Had it taken that option, it would have stalled the process to introduce the Government's own proposals. However, the Government should take on board the good intent in the Bill. It should think outside the box and not simply knock it because it comes from the Opposition benches. I note the Minister recently announced his intention to streamline the employment rights agencies. This proposal is well-intentioned and has merit and it will be a positive development when the Minister fleshes out a little further his proposals in this regard. I do not believe he will be found wanting when it comes to support from this side of the House. However, my primary concern is for the protection of the vulnerable workers and the working classes I represent. Members must remove uncertainty for these people over the summer months because they are feeling the effects of the downturn in the economy most keenly. They are the workers at the lowest end of the scale and every possible measure must be taken to remove this uncertainty and to allow them have a decent summer along with everyone else, if possible.

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