Alan Kelly (Labour)

On a number of occasions I have raised in the House the issue of workers' rights, my concerns given the changing economy, and the issue of the minimum wage and the way in which it is exploited sometimes. I have raised the issue of Irish Ferries, the Irish Hotels Federation, the whole area of tourism and the case of various individuals who have been exploited, including the case of a Pakistani man last week who was working 60 hours for €50 per week. I am still concerned when I read that while there 196 detections for failure to pay the minimum wage in the past two years, there was only one prosecution. From a percentage basis that is extraordinary. That there has been only one prosecution during the past two years despite all the high profile cases is unbelievable. This raises concerns as to whether there are gaps in the legislation and, if so, they need to be filled.

We should name and shame those who denigrate the minimum wage. Those in receipt of it are some of the most vulnerable people in society. They work long hours. They work hard in some very low-paid jobs and they need to be respected. These people are needed to keep the economy going. It is important the Minister comes into the House for a debate during which we can see if there are gaps in the legislation and, if so, that those gaps are filled.

I would also like the Minister to speak on the role of FÁS, of which I have been a supporter down through the years. However, given the changing economy I am concerned that the throughput of FÁS has not changed in recent years. Only 14% of those who go to FÁS are placed. It may be that the methodologies used by FÁS need to be looked at.

I thoroughly disagree with my colleague, Senator Ross, on his statements on the tribunal. From the Labour Party's point of view we never raise titbits in regard to the tribunal. At times, we consider it is our right to criticise the Taoiseach where it is necessary. I found it extraordinary yesterday that a Senator said in the House that the tribunals were causing a crisis in democracy. That is unbelievable and it is crazy that a Senator would say that given that the tribunals were set up by the Seanad and the Dáil.