Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Minister confirmed in his closing remarks the point we have made in regard to the 30 day notice requirement. If he only received notice on the same day on which the workers were locked out, the company is clearly in breach of the required section of the Protection of Employment Act 1977. There is no doubt in that regard. The alternative to which the Minister refers in regard to the procedure being adopted through the Labour Relations Commission is one that the workers and their representatives will have noted. Whether they decide to go the rights commissioner route will be influenced by the outcome of next Monday's adjourned engagement at the LRC.

It is not good enough for the Minister to sit back and be an observer of this. It is important that he take note that what is at issue is not only an individual breach but that a pattern is now emerging in regard to several companies, as highlighted in this House in the past 24 hours. We must have stricter compliance with proper industrial relations practice. Workers' rights must be something the Minister pursues and the Government will impose. Has the Minister given consideration to any other sanctions he might consider, including a withdrawal of access to State contracts - that is, public moneys - if companies are not prepared to treat their workers with respect?

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