Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

As this may prove to be my last question to Deputy Enda Kenny in his role as Taoiseach, I join others in wishing him and his family well in whatever the future holds for him. I am sure this is simply the opening of another chapter considering the energy he continues to display. Our period working together in government will certainly always be valued by me.

I thank the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip for their co-operation in providing Government time today for the Competition (Amendment) Bill. It will become the first Opposition Bill to pass through both Houses. That is a milestone and an encouragement for us on this side of the House. As the Taoiseach knows, the Bill will give trade union rights to freelance workers and define in law for the first time the concept of bogus self-employment. It is an important milestone.

It is exactly 12 months to the day since the Government was first defeated on a Private Members' motion, which was our motion on workers' rights. Much water has gone under the bridge since then. With regard to that motion, will the Taoiseach update the House on the progress made on the decision of the House that day in regard to the promotion of the living wage, the ending of the abuse of if-and-when contracts and the redress of workplace bullying?

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