Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I call for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to discuss the leaking of material from Garda files to a newspaper. I do not normally agree with the Minister but he is the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and is responsible for the security of the State. We cannot fight with our hands behind our backs. The director of the Centre for Public Inquiry also has serious questions to answer. On this occasion the Minister, while he may not have used the right vehicle, is right to defend the security of the State.

As an employer I welcome the march that took place on Friday. It is a rain check of employees' rights. Over the years, the employment situation has changed and as an employer I cannot match the pay that Irish Ferries or many Departments can offer. Many employers would like to match that pay and offer the same conditions. We do offer the conditions set down in employment legislation but as small employers we cannot match conditions that exist elsewhere. We should debate the shifting sands of employment in Ireland. Employers and employees together can come up with a positive response.

Over the years we have seen Irish workers coming home from England. The price of airline tickets at Christmas between Britain and Ireland could cost up to two weeks' wages. Now we talk about migrant workers going back to Europe. Between Ryanair, Aer Lingus and other companies, airline tickets are three times the price at Christmas.