Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

I implore Senators to listen to me on this issue. A survey in the UK conducted by the CBI showed that there was potential for a 25% reduction in the use of agency workers. If the same percentage reduction were to occur in Ireland, it would lead to the loss of approximately 8,000 jobs. It was announced yesterday that 950 jobs would be lost. I call on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, to come to the House and discuss this issue as a matter of urgency as we cannot afford to shed further jobs in the economy. The Government is in a position to mitigate the impact of the directive and reduce job losses associated with temporary agency workers and the agency profession.