Tom Barry (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Bill. The JLCs need to be put on a strong constitutional footing. Until this is done, uncertainty will reign, which will be of no benefit to anyone concerned. We have witnessed the death of social partnership, although I have my doubts about whether it was ever a real social partnership. It based its foundations on the notion that money could solve all problems. This was true for a time, but we no longer have money and must now face the challenge of making the system work. We must look forward and there is no point in looking back, as it will not put bread on the tables of those who constantly worry about how they will keep their homes etc.

I grow disappointed with Deputies jumping up and down and getting excited about protecting workers while not realising that we are all here to stand up for workers. As an employer, it disappoints me to see some Deputies who do not know how to create a job speaking on the subject and accusing everyone else of having no conscience on the matter. I have trained employees who then left because of €1 or less per hour at high rates, but the circumstances have reversed. Long-term employees bring stability and continuity to a business. If a business has long-term employees, it is operating well.

The question of employers needs to be addressed, as it is not in many employers' interests to decimate workers' wages. We all must come through this financial crisis, which we will do by co-operating. Some people will try to abuse the system.

See this speech in context