Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the occasion of the launch by the Government of the Low Pay Commission, which is being handled by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, its Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, and specifically the Minister of State, Deputy Gerald Nash, I had a brief meeting with the representative from Mandate Trade Union, who explained to me the position of the workers in Dunnes Stores. I support certainty and the right of people to know from their employer what hours they are expected to work each week, in so far as that is possible. Deputy Martin is aware that the Low Pay Commission has already started its process of meetings. It will report in July and the Government will act in response to that.

The Minister of State, Deputy Gerald Nash, is dealing with the question of zero-our contracts. Deputy Martin mentioned a fair working hours Act. I will wait to see the response and proposals of the Minister of State. It is not for me, in the position I occupy, to say whether the strike should take place. This is not the first time these kinds of circumstances have arisen. As the Deputy pointed out, other stores have had to deal with this matter. They dealt with it clearly in the interest of their workers, with a view to their having clarity and confidence in respect of their working futures. I am clear that the workers in Dunnes Stores deserve no less. They need to be told by their employers what the week and month ahead hold and, in so far as possible, what the time ahead holds. I hope the mechanisms that have been in place for quite some time apply here so people will not have to go on strike. I hope the employers in this case can understand the consequences of not providing clarity to the thousands of loyal workers who provide services to those who shop in the stores daily.

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