Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I compliment Deputy O'Dea and his party colleagues for having brought this Bill before the House. I realise there is a problem with the recent court ruling but, as a small employer of five or six workers, I understand that we must have balance in this regard. We should not throw the baby out with the bath water. I support the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and I welcome the fact that the Government does not oppose this measure. This area needs to be examined because we want to protect lower paid workers at all costs. I agree with the previous speaker that there is a new group of poor who are ordinary working people, small businessmen and small farmers. Many such people are being squeezed and, with talk of new bills to face every day, they just cannot continue.

Pressure will come on the Government anyway with cutbacks in the family income supplement and community welfare officers. We must examine these JLCs and EROs. In the past ten, 15 or 20 years, we have brought in many new regulations but, unlike our neighbours in Britain, we did not repeal any of the existing labour laws. Consequently, there is a plethora of legislation and it is impossible for employers, big or small, to deal with it because of the costs involved. A small employer with five or six workers would have to employ his or her spouse, or a full-time person, to deal with the paperwork. Most employers treat their workers fairly, although there are some unscrupulous ones that we condemn out of hand. A good relationship and bond between employers and employees is part of a successful business.

I have just attended the IFA evening at the Shelbourne Hotel which featured many small businesses from all over the country. They have been promoting fabulous hospitality, food, liqueurs, sweets and other produce. It is a pity you were not up there, a Cheann Comhairle, but it is still not too late to go. I saw apple juice being promoted from my own county of Tipperary, as well as strawberries. Many local entrepreneurs have been burnt by what happened last night and this morning - the shady dealing that went on with Superquinn going into liquidation. About €1 million is owed altogether to small suppliers. These small business people should not be forgotten when we bring this legislation through the House. I hope that on Second Stage we can bring in something to help them.

I want to talk about a proud industry we have in South Tipperary, which is the capital of the equine industry. They have a major issue with JLCs because most race meetings are held on Saturdays or Sundays. It is a matter of pride and joy for jockeys to get out and ride a horse and even more so if they can ride a winner. When they get the Sunday premium, they are happy to work for their stud and are not looking for anything extra. A large amount of training, grooming and practice goes into it so that the public can enjoy good horse racing, and those who wish to gamble can do so. Those people need to be protected. I also want to talk about members of the farming community who are trying to save their harvest. The weather is so inclement that they must work all kinds of unsocial hours. I welcome the initiatives for the tourism industry.

We must be reasonable and I think the Minister is being reasonable. I know he is under pressure in a coalition Government because I experienced the nuances of that myself. All I am seeking is fair play and an understanding that business people, especially small businesses, have to be supported. We must get rid of the shackles hindering business, such as the plethora of unnecessary legislation which is only making money for barristers who bring challenges in the High Court. We must see sense here. I am prepared to go the road with the Minister to stimulate small businesses, as well as nurturing the culture we had of employers treating their employees fairly, and of workers doing an honest day's work for an honest day's pay. Many companies need to be supported in that respect, without using a sledge-hammer to crack a nut.

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