Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Minister of State to send me a written reply to my question after he discusses the specific case with his officials. However, this issue does not solely involve Extern. Departments and local authorities have awarded construction contracts to firms that have delivered on those contracts on the basis of bogus self-employment practices when it was clear from the outset that the bids were so low that they could be only delivered in such a manner. We have submitted written questions to the Minister of State and other Ministers regarding the collapse of the UK-based firm, Carillion, which not only affects Britain as it has jeopardised various public works in Ireland, including the construction of six schools. A profound debate has been taking place in Britain over the past week on the need to reverse the trend of outsourcing for several reasons, not just because of the ability or inability of private firms to deliver but also because of the important question of workers' rights. Such a debate needs to take place here. I put it to the Minister of State that it is clear the Government is at one with the Tories in the United Kingdom on such issues.

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