Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will of course have thought and regard for all those employed; that is why we are in charge of employment legislation. We take that very seriously in our Department. We have several agencies that excel in their work in that area. They have built up much experience and they work with our Department and other agencies. Bodies such as our LEOs, local authorities, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland have to focus on business development and growth and putting the money out.

The majority of jobs created under the remit of Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland in recent years have been full time and high end. Naturally, as a Government and a Government party for the past several years, we have been focused on decent jobs and wages. Our track record will show where our focus has been and is. We brought forward legislation on several occasions concerning industrial relations and protecting employees. We have strengthened their position, if at all possible. When it comes to pay and decent conditions, we have also not been behind the door in bringing forward four or five increases in the minimum wage. We are, therefore, showing our focus by our actions. Our focus now, however, has to be on getting the money out. That is one arm of our Department. The Deputy's question is about the fees concerning the action in the High Court, however, and that shows that we are very much committed to the issue of employee conditions.

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