Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We acknowledge that there are certain sectors affected by the judgment on REAs that benefit from greater flexibility and the freedom to ensure wages reflect the economic reality. This would help boost employment in those sectors and disincentivise black market labour. Many employers that comply with REAs are being undercut by unscrupulous employers paying lower wages off the books. Following the Supreme Court ruling, it is essential we do not allow a free-for-all to emerge. We want confirmation from the Government that there will not be a surge of employers suddenly moving to unilaterally reduce the wages of workers who have been covered by REAs until now or seeking to displace existing staff with new employees on inferior terms. Existing legislative protection which applies to all employees in the State must be rigorously enforced. Guidelines must be set down to ensure engagement between employers and employees on any renegotiated terms and conditions in these sectors.

Industrial peace, as the Minister knows, is very important in attracting foreign direct investment. Despite the upheaval in the construction industry in recent years, it has not been hit by widespread strike action. Swift action by the Government is necessary to prevent a vacuum from emerging. Has the Minister consulted with the Attorney General in response to this judgment? What legislation is he preparing on that and when can we expect it to be in place? It is most important that we do not allow a vacuum to emerge after this judgment, which would create unforeseen difficulties for the sectors affected by REAs.

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