David Norris (Independent)

It is difficult to hear the Senators. Perhaps they should join Equity too. Some voice projection training might be useful. This is a serious issue as it relates to the lowest paid workers in the State. They earn €7,000 per annum, and they represent us all over the world. They are the most vulnerable people. It is extraordinary that the Competition Authority has put a gun to the head of SIPTU and said it cannot represent freelance artists. Performance artists are regarded by the Competition Authority as an undertaking or a business if they make arrangements themselves. They have been forced to sign an agreement saying they will not provide or share with any self-employed actor information relating to minimum fees. That is astonishing. We must look at this issue.

Competition law is supposed to protect consumers from the creation of cartels and non-competitive pricing. Here we have the weakest members of society on pathetic incomes being prevented from getting information on a proper minimum wage. That is a reproach to us all and I ask that this House consider the matter.