Denis Landy (Labour)

REAs and JLCs are very important and have ensured industrial peace for many years. Senator Barrett, who has a right-wing agenda, stated social partnership had not worked. I remind him that everybody, not only workers, got fat during the Celtic tiger. From 1913 onwards, when Mr. Murphy locked out his workers because they went on strike for a proper rate of pay, workers have always been viewed as being wrong by one side of society. I presume this view will prevail long after we have gone.

The legislation before us protects workers and those who are required to work on Saturday and Sunday. Senator Barrett argued that every day is the same. I do not see solicitors, accountants or major banks opening their practices or doors on Sundays. The lowest-paid workers are employed in the retail and service industries where they are required to work on Sundays as part of their employment contracts. They should be adequately recompensed for this work. I thank the Acting Chairman and wish Kilkenny the best for the rest of the year.