Alan Kelly (Labour)

I thank Senators for their contributions on this Bill. I especially thank all those who spoke in favour of it — Senators Donohoe, Norris, Buttimer, Doherty and O'Toole. I even thank Senator De Búrca because, as far as I could hear, she spoke in favour of it as well.

I want to respond to a few comments by the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern. He stated this Bill is premature. The opposite is the case. It is badly needed now and it was needed a long time ago. I would like him to make the same comments to the likes of Mr. Jack O'Connor and Ms Patricia King who have organised thousands of workers throughout the country to go to meetings on this issue.

We also heard that the EU directive did not receive consensus. It did not because the Government did not allow it to happen. The Minister of State hit on a sore point and he was getting close to the bone when he mentioned that the foreign direct investment sector had certain concerns about it. This Government is facilitating big business to exploit vulnerable workers.