Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Last year we discussed and condemned the appalling scandal in the garment industry in Bangladesh where many people lost their lives as a result of badly-run premises and poor legislation. Another scandal is emerging in Cambodia where four people have lost their lives, 40 people have been injured and 21 people are in prison as a result of their protesting against poor conditions and campaigning for a minimum wage of $160 per month. I support all the labour organisations and the very many individuals throughout the world who are mounting an international campaign on this issue. The Cambodian garment industry employs 500,000 people and represents 95% of Cambodian exports, worth approximately €3.8 billion. Seven reputable international brands have called on the Cambodian Government to investigate the recent violence and, most importantly, to release the 21 workers whose only crime has been to stand up for colleagues who are campaigning for a decent living wage.