Alan Kelly (Labour)

I have a track record in this House of raising the issue of workers' rights and do so again today. Last week I called on the Government to name and shame those who tried to pay people less than the minimum wage. Unfortunately today I must name and shame the Government itself, as Ireland is one of only four countries that is refusing to put in place the EU agency worker directive. I condemn this because we are at a stage where there are at least 520 agency organisations for a population of 4.2 million. In many cases, agency workers are being exploited because their pay, conditions, working terms, etc. are not the same as those of other workers. This situation is growing across sectors. Previously, it was in secretarial areas and is now in the construction sector and elsewhere. Many workers are being discriminated against and exploited. It is time the matter was investigated. As the four countries in question, of which Ireland is one, have a net migrant intake, there must be a common thread.

I condemn the absurd comments of Councillor Jimmy Mulroy in respect of migrant workers.