Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)

I am sharing time with Deputy Gerald Nash.

Reforming the JLCs was a commitment in the programme for Government and I am glad we are responding to that commitment today. We live in an uncertain economic climate and we must respond to it and ensure we have an economy that is not only responsive to job creation but also protects the rights of workers. Among other provisions, the Bill allows the JLC to set the basic rate and the two higher rates of pay. In setting those rates the JLCs will have to take into account factors such as the unemployment rate and competitiveness, two key factors that impinge on our ability to create and sustain employment, as well as the wage trends in comparable sectors both here and in other relevant jurisdictions.

The Bill provides for companies to derogate from the EROs and REAs in cases of financial difficulty once specific criteria are met. It is true that the Sunday premium rate will no longer be set by JLCs. Although Sunday is a day of rest, in an increasingly secular society this is something that had to happen so we could maintain our competitiveness. Reforming the JLC and registered employment agreements was necessary and I welcome the opportunity to speak on this in the context of the Bill. The legislation contains protections for current JLC workers. This was recommended in the Duffy Walsh report and is most welcome. The Bill also provides for Sunday to be treated as a special day even though we are moving away from the traditional perception of it as a day of rest. It should be recognised and rewarded.

Another welcome aspect of the legislation is that there is flexibility to deal with situations where employers are unable to pay. This was lacking previously. Under the Bill, companies in financial trouble have scope to derogate from the terms of the EROs and REAs. However, the protections afforded to workers are very robust, which is welcome. It is encouraging that the Labour Court will be closely involved in this process. This will encourage investment and support as well as giving assurance to workers. It is vital that we create a culture where job creation is supported while the rights of workers are put to the forefront.

Any opportunity to strengthen the rights of workers in legislation is welcome. Recently, in my constituency of Waterford over 600 employees were given just 30 days notice by a company that was able to take away all its jobs and investment from the city in a short time frame. I welcome the legislation relating to JLCs but we need to examine industrial relations and the rights of workers, particularly in sectors such as the hospitality industry.

Tourism will be vital for Waterford and the south-east region in terms of getting the economy back on its feet. However, the service provided is only as good as the workers employed in it. This is particularly the case in the hospitality sector, which is very much built on what would be called relationship marketing. If people have a good experience, they will return and spend money in the local economy. It is fundamental that workers in this sector of the economy get a good day's pay for a good day's work. That will ensure that tourists will return and spend money in the local economy, be it in the restaurants or shops. I agree with Deputy Buttimer's comment that nobody wishes to see "To Let" notices on premises throughout city centres, as is currently the case. I welcome the legislation and I hope it will provide the stability and certainty that is required to encourage further stimulation in this sector, which I believe will be a thriving one for Waterford and the south east given the tourist attractions and facilities they can offer.

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