Denis Landy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Earlier this morning Senator John Whelan and I joined Dunnes Stores workers on the picket at St. Stephen's Green. On a wet, miserable morning they were demanding decent pay and fair terms and conditions of employment. It is disappointing that management in Dunnes Stores has failed to engage with the workforce through the industrial relations machinery of the State. The Labour Court heard matters to do with Dunnes Stores last October, but the company refused to participate. I urge both sides to the dispute to avail of the services of the State to resolve it. It can only be resolved through dialogue between both sides. The Government is preparing new legislation to provide for an enforceable remedy where employers refuse to negotiate as part of the collective bargaining system. The commitment to this legislation was reflected by both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach in a statement in July. Where there is no collective bargaining mechanism in place, workers will have a forum through their unions to advance their claims and have them decided by the Labour Court, based on appropriate comparisons with similar companies and without being victimised for doing so.The Labour Court's determination on such claims will be enforceable through the Circuit Court. We expect that a Bill in this area will be published halfway through the year. In regard to zero-hours contracts, which is the other big issue of concern to the workers, the Minister of State at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Gerald Nash, has commissioned a study to examine this area, at the conclusion of which we hope to move to legislation.

I wish to raise two other issues. During the Commencement debate earlier, Senator John Whelan raised the issue of narcolepsy and the children who suffer from it. The response to the Senator was that the Minister did not see fit to meet the group, SOUND, which represents the children. This is another hepatitis C case and the State is 100% culpable. This will be another gravy train for the legal profession, bringing all these children to court only to discover we will have to pay out. I call on the Leader to invite the Minister to come to the House after Easter before the issue goes to court and ensure the matter is resolved in a proper fashion.

This week, 74 years after being hanged, Harry Gleeson is about to get a posthumous presidential pardon. As a fellow Tipperary man I am delighted this is happening after many years. I single out Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú as one of those who fought for justice for the family of Harry Gleeson. The Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has officially announced a posthumous presidential pardon which will be signed by the President in the coming days. Harry Gleeson was hanged without any proper evidence, but at least his family can rest easy. As in the Fr. Molloy case, someone is guilty of this crime and we must continue to pursue those cases. I welcome the announcement yesterday by the Minister, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, in this regard.