Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

In terms of his engagement with the social partners, has the Taoiseach discussed any steps to avoid the recent events involving workers, such as those in Vita Cortex, La Senza and Lagan Brick, where they have had to go to extraordinary lengths to vindicate their rights and entitlements? At stroke of pen, 250 workers in Diageo in Dundalk and Kilkenny were told they were out of work. Unfortunately, that announcement came when the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation was in Guinness with the Diageo management.

The occupation of Vita Cortex continues and it is in its seventh week despite the collapse of talks, which was no fault of the workers. Clearly, the owner of that company has a responsibility to pay the workers what they are owed. Has there been any feedback from the Labour Relations Commission and from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on this issue? What will the Government do to ensure these workers' rights are protected? Will it introduce legislation to ensure no employer can in future treat workers in this disrespectful and exploitative fashion?

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