Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputies Alex White and Ann Phelan for giving me some time following what was a misunderstanding with the schedule. In speaking on the protection of employees I am reminded of this Government's commitment and reiterated yesterday by the Taoiseach when he renewed his new year's resolution which is central to this Government's plan. The Tánaiste has referred on a number of occasions to the Government's commitment to the creation of employment as being at the heart of the programme for Government.

I am not in favour of creating jobs at any price. The musical, "Oliver", was staged recently in the National Concert Hall. It tells the story of London society in the 1800s and some employers want to drag us back to that era. I welcome this Bill which will introduce equality. I cannot but help refer to my visit last night to some employees in Liffey Valley who are being treated disgracefully by their employer. They are so badly treated that they are refusing to leave their current place of employment. They are employees of a company which has recorded profits of €100 million in 2011. I was struck by the integrity of the people and I am full of admiration for people such as Tara Kane and others. I thank the Minister and I am pleased the Minister of State, Deputy Seán Sherlock, is in the House today because he responded immediately following the intervention by the Acting Chairman, Deputy Joanna Tuffy, when she raised it in the House on the Topical Issues debate. The Minister of State has intervened and is liaising with the trade unions. I wish him well in this work. However, the workers are still there today and they face a fourth night sleeping in unfortunate and very inappropriate conditions, but such is their determination that I know they will remain there.

I welcome this legislation. The Minister and the Government are intent on protecting workers' rights. I wish the Minister well in protecting the rights of all workers, including those who have been treated in such a shabby way in recent times. I hope I have allowed time for Deputy Keaveney.

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