Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State and his officials for their assistance in the passage of this Bill.

I did not make a contribution when Senator John Paul Phelan tabled his amendment. I will take this opportunity to bring to the attention of the Minister of State that I received a submission from IBEC today. One of the issues brought to my attention in the submission was the difference in pay rates in the hospitality industry with a variance of approximately 46% to 48% compared to our counterparts in the North and in the UK. This is linked to the issue of competitiveness. I mention this in light of Senator Phelan's earlier comments. The issue of inability to pay was mentioned and it received an interesting response. I appreciate the approach taken by the Minister of State in this regard, his understanding of the position and the manner in which he hopes to achieve agreement on this issue. I wish him well in the discussions with the social partners and others to reach what one would like to think is a fair position, given the very difficult and challenging position in which we now find ourselves. We all recognise that many businesses are in a survival mode. They are facing significant challenges and great difficulties. Competitiveness is a major issue and labour costs must be addressed in some form or fashion to ensure competitiveness. We cannot allow what has been happening in the hospitality industry whereby others come in from outside and because of their low base costs are able to compete and push out Irish industries and enterprises.

I have sympathy for Senator Ryan because I understand the position in which he finds himself. He was anxious to participate on Committee, Report and Final Stages. My understanding is that as the Minister of State has indicated the Bill is going back to the Dáil and that amendments will be tabled there. The amended Bill will return to this House and it is hoped that Senator Ryan will then have an opportunity to table whatever he requires and to speak on the issue. It might be helpful if the Leas-Chathaoirleach could clarify if this is the position.