Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

Of course, the Labour Party is the author of its own embarrassment in this. Its posturing in many instances did not prove worthwhile.

While we welcome the fact that the Minister has been compelled to shift his ground and come closer to the recommendations of the Duffy Walsh report, last night the Fianna Fáil Party spokesperson on enterprise and employment, Deputy O'Dea, outlined some of our remaining concerns with this legislation. He outlined clearly issues that need to be addressed on Committee Stage and we hope that the Minister, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister of State, Deputy Perry, would see fit to address them in a progressive and positive manner.

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