Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I thank the Taoiseach for that information. My questions were around trying to ensure these events do not become common place and what he has done in regard to the social partners or to bring in legislation. Diageo, which is a hugely profitable company, makes billions in profits and sells Harp and Guinness globally as Irish brands, closes a brewery in Dundalk with the stroke of a pen. Some workers had given 25 years to 30 years of service. It is not fair. As I said earlier, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation was actually in the Guinness headquarters at St. James's Gate when this announcement was made and there was not a bleat from the Government about it. Some 250 workers, their families and all the small business which thrive in the local economy will be robbed of that income.

To go back to my initial question, workers must be treated respectfully and not in an exploitative way. Has the Government discussed this with the social partners? Will it bring in legislation if there is a need to do so to ensure no employer can treat workers like this?

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