Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

It is a matter of shame that I stand to discuss this issue today because it should not have to be discussed in any civilised, democratic country. I understood the issue of slave labour was consigned to the history books but it is a sad indictment of our society that we are still dealing with it.

I recently got involved in this issue because of the case of forced labour at an Indian takeaway called Poppadom beside Newlands Cross in Clondalkin. It involved a man called Muhammad Younis, whom I am very glad to say is in the Visitors Gallery. I welcome him and the representatives of the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland. Mr. Younis's case is a classic example of forced labour. He was lucky enough to escape from the conditions he was forced to endure by his employer.

Mr. Younis, who has very little English, was brought to Ireland on a work permit but, rather than renewing that permit, his employer kept him working through threats and intimidation. This kind of practice must stop. A rights commissioner heard his case and this led to a Labour Court ruling in September 2011 that he is owed €90,000. Poppadom restaurant has yet to pay him that money. He is now unemployed, living in a hostel and cannot see his family. He has been robbed of everything, yet the restaurant keeps trading. This illustrates perfectly why action needs to be taken.

Not one person has been prosecuted in regard to any case of forced labour. For that reason, I call on the Minister of State to ensure forced labour is properly criminalised, that courts have the powers to close companies that employ forced labour and to jail offenders for significant periods, and that an inspection system is introduced that roots out those who might be using forced labour.

See this speech in context