James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to the House to debate the blatant misuse of employment law by some companies in the State, particularly in the construction industry. There have been numerous recent complaints that Irish workers in the construction industry were let go from their jobs and non-Irish workers taken on at much lower rates of pay. This should not happen but it is happening throughout the country.

This type of behaviour is morally wrong and illegal. It is time for the Government to take action. I have had complaints from Irish workers who were told their services were no longer needed but when they checked they found that other workers had been taken on within their companies when they were let go.

We need a debate on this subject, which is of great concern to native Irish workers and is causing much resentment in some parts of the country. This abuse has been ignored by the Government and should be addressed as soon as possible. I do not agree with the undercutting of Irish workers. We do not want resentment to grow. The Leader might arrange for a debate on the issue for as soon as possible after the Easter recess.