Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I am not picking sides. I am ensuring that we have valuable employment and strong businesses. Anyone who says we have not improved workers' conditions is not backing that statement up with evidence. Auto-enrolment will be introduced on 1 January. There is a right to request remote working. Tips legislation to protect vulnerable workers has been introduced. Zero-hour contracts were banned. Parental leave has been introduced. A Fine Gael Government, with the Taoiseach at the time, took the lead on improving employment rights. We all know the work our former Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, did in this area.

We know the costs that businesses they face, and that is the evidence I am giving the Deputy. I am pointing him to the reports on the basis of which I am acting. I am also pointing him towards how we are improving workers' conditions consistently, right across the economy. I have commissioned a review of employment law by the employment law review group, which is needed for our economy because employment legislation affects so many areas.

I want good, well-paid jobs in our economy. I also want businesses to be viable and to do well. My job is to balance those interests and ensure we protect employees on what is a significant day, namely International Workers' Day.

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