Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

That is of great relevance to this debate. That is exactly where the workers want us to stand.

I strongly commend Deputy Tóibín for his great work in bringing this issue before the House; it is very important for us to highlight and debate these issues. Let us consider the real world for low paid workers in hotels, restaurants, shops, on farms and in many other areas. They are making a great contribution to the country. They are in the services trade and on the front line in the tourism industry, and, by God, they should be supported. They are also paying their taxes and making a significant contribution. There is no way we should stand in this House and hammer them. We should, therefore, think about what we are discussing.

The wage rates for workers subject to JLC agreements are low. For example, the top rate of pay for a worker covered by the retail JLC agreement is €9.66 per hour. Such a worker, working a 35-hour week, would earn just under €17,500 per year. These are the people we are discussing and we should be supporting them today. They are paid at time and a quarter, with unsocial rates applying to hours worked from midnight to 7 a.m. The overwhelming majority of workers who are on double time are getting this rate because they have already worked 39 hours, not as a result of a JLC agreement. Even before the recent court decision and despite the legally binding nature of JLC and registered employment agreements, some employers did not comply with them. I accept there are quality employers, some of whom I have met, who do not agree with the rant coming from some sections of the strong business lobby. They want to pay their staff well and look after them because they understand that by looking after their staff they will have a very productive business. I am talking particularly about the front-line catering service industry.

I strongly support the coalition to protect the lowest paid which comprises workers, trade unions and community groups, including SIPTU, Mandate, the Communications Workers Union, UNITE, the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, the Poor Can't Pay Campaign, Community Platform, European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland and the National Women's Council. It has been campaigning to defend the pay and conditions of thousands of workers, the vast majority of whom are women, in the lowest paid sectors of society. I express my strong support for these groups.

I welcome the Industrial Relations (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill as it is an attempt to save low paid workers. I urge all Deputies to support the legislation as cutting pay will contribute nothing to economic recovery. Politicians who are running scared of the big business lobby should stand up and be counted. This is a time for all fair-minded Deputies in the House to stand with low paid workers.

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