Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I thank my Labour Party colleagues for tabling this motion. It is proper that Seanad Éireann discusses this vital matter and the social and economic ramifications of recent revelations. I welcome the Minister and look forward to his views on the motion and his response to questions posed during the course of this debate.

The shabby treatment of migrant workers in this country, as revealed recently, brings disgrace on us all. Everyone involved in it should be ashamed. As I said in this House on 13 April, the fact that any sort of exploitation, based simply on nationality, or even the colour of one's skin, could thrive in 2005 is a sad indictment of where we find ourselves. Recent revelations regarding foreign workers in Gama Construction and other documented cases of exploitation are shameful. I sincerely hope the labour inspectorate of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment investigates, prosecutes and punishes those responsible for any impropriety, exploitation and fraud that has taken place. In this regard, certain matters are before the courts. Will the Minister state whether it will be possible for the inspectorate, accountants or officials in the Department——