Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to speak on this new legislation which will provide legal protection for low-paid workers. This should be supported by all parties in the House as it protects the workers in the regulated sectors who are affected by the High Court judgment. The Government should face up to reality and assist hundreds of thousands of low-paid workers. Once again, the Labour Party has walked off the pitch. It should stop hiding behind Fine Gael on this priority issue.

The recent statements by the Minister for Social Protection were a disgrace, misinformed, dangerous in the current climate and, above all, insulting to the tens of thousands of people who are unemployed. This is not acceptable from the Minister and she should withdraw her remarks or resign. I was shocked and dismayed that a Labour Party Minister would say that. The more worrying aspect for the poorer section of society is what the Minister has planned next in her so-called reforms, which is the new code for cuts.

The late Deputy and former Minister, Mr. Frank Cluskey, in 1977 set up the community welfare service, which was to provide a safety net for the poorer and weaker sections of society and to help people on the margins. The current Minister plans to scrap these 1,000 front-line staff, with their transformation team, and - wait for it - turn them into social activation officers, which in fact means snoops. These welfare police will now become hit men and hit women against the poor and the Minister will have dismantled the last line of defence. Did anyone ever think they would see a day when a Labour Party Minister would slash and burn welfare services?

The Government cannot hide behind the troika of the IMF-EU-ECB. These are choices and many of us in the Independent group have put forward options on these choices in recent months. We have dealt openly with the debate on tax versus cuts and all proposals have been costed. We are not just against issues; we are also putting forward sensible solutions. However, hammering low-paid workers, the unemployed and the disabled should never be an option in any democratic republic.

This Bill seeks to help 250,000 workers over the summer period and will prevent exploitation. Kicking the now famous can down the road is not option and definitely not a solution. I urge Members to support this legislation.

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