Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I too thank the Tánaiste for her comprehensive response. I agree with her comments on the role of the two trade unions involved in dealing with this debacle. I was outside Clerys yesterday evening for some time and know that the workers genuinely appreciate the role played by the trade unions in this matter. It is lucky for them, despite the shortcomings, that they are members of trade unions. As stated by other speakers, they appreciate the speed with which the Department of Social Protection and the Tánaiste have progressed matters. Whatever about people like me criticising the slow pace at which labour law in this country changes, I am sure we will all agree on the need for change. Many former and current Members of the House criticised the introduction of regulations in the business sector. This case is a classic example of the need for regulation in the context of company law.

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