Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Senators O'Toole and Harris about the level of intimidation to which workers are subjected when they try to go to work. The Shell to Sea campaign is ongoing. We visited the site in question and what is happening there is disgraceful. I agree completely with what Senator O'Toole said, that the Ministers with responsibility in that area need to get down to business and ensure people can go to work. We saw the effect this has on the economy in Belmullet and the surrounding area. We have heard here today how desperately we need work and employment throughout the country and the Belmullet area is thriving as a result of Shell. We need to get the gas onshore.

There is another case of intimidation of workers today in Dublin Bus. This is a wildcat strike, which is a disgrace. Workers who have jobs are trying to get to work, but they cannot do so because of a ridiculous dispute over a roster. The unions need to get a grip on the issue. Dublin Bus is a public service and the travelling public are entitled that service. Workers too are entitled to go to work without being intimidated. The strike is an outrage. Union leaders must stand up to this kind of behaviour. It is time we had a debate in the House on the matter.