Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

The workers in question are now getting organised and taking all the appropriate action. The conditions they face are horrific and similar to those relating to slavery. The conditions in question are primarily focused on migrant workers. Previously, it appears to have primarily involved Polish workers but it now relates to Romanian workers. However, Irish workers are also exploited and stand in solidarity with their workmates. The workers are not receiving SEO rates. They are receiving flat rates that are significantly lower than SEO rates. They are not receiving payslips and have not received them over an extended period. There are other layers of exploitation on top of that. For example, workers have been pressured to rent at extortionate rates from a foreman and when they leave that accommodation, they are told that there is no more work for them. The situation is horrific. Will the Minister agree to talk to her colleagues and try to get a labour inspectorate team sent in to investigate the situation?

See this speech in context