David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support the comments of Senator Gilroy. I remind the House and the Leader that this year is the centenary of the 1913 Lockout, which was a seminal moment in the struggle for workers' rights in this State and throughout the island. It is unfortunate and a scandal that in 21st-century Ireland there are still situations in which workers are engaging in sit-in protests to demand basic rights. Much of the responsibility falls back on the employers, some of whom are unscrupulous and some of whom are walking away from their responsibilities and not paying staff wages or money due. We have seen this with HMV workers and those at Vita Cortex, Lagan Brick and, in the Leader's constituency, Waterford Crystal as well. We could all give many examples from recent years and a further example has been given this morning by Senator Gilroy.

We should examine the employment rights legislation. Part of the problem relates to the issues of redundancy payments, minimum notice pay, unpaid leave and unpaid wages. All of these are entitlements workers have under the insolvency fund. The problem is that it takes months for workers to get their wages. In most cases or in normal circumstances employers would pay the workers and claim the money back, but many employers are walking away from that responsibility and workers are left high and dry and must wait months for their payments. There is also an anomaly whereby if the company does not officially go into receivership, workers cannot even apply under the insolvency fund.

The are two issues. First, we should have a debate on employment law because there is also the issue of how the State is treating junior nurses. There will be a presentation in the audiovisual room today on that issue. Second, we should find some way to mark the centenary of the Lockout and perhaps invite one of the trade union leaders to address the House this year. It is important for the House to find some way to mark and acknowledge the significance of the 1913 Lockout and the seminal moment that it was in the struggle for labour and employment rights in the State.