Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join my colleagues from Tipperary on all sides of the House in welcoming the presidential pardon for Harry Gleeson, who was wrongly executed 74 years ago. It is appalling that an innocent man lost his life, and if anything justifies the elimination of the death penalty in this country, his case does so. It is unfortunate that in many parts of the world today, people are being executed regularly, many of them innocent people whom their loved ones can never get back. We send our best wishes to the Gleeson family, who must be very pleased with the decision of the Minister. I compliment everyone who was associated with the long campaign over the years to get a pardon for this man.

It is very unfortunate that the workers of Dunnes Stores found it necessary to go on strike today. Dunnes Stores is a highly respected, successful Irish company providing many jobs throughout the country. I urge all concerned to engage with the industrial relations machinery of the State because the ongoing dispute will impact on the lives of many people and it will impact very negatively on the company's business. It would be well advised to ensure another strike day will not be necessary. We have an effective, efficient and fair industrial relations machinery in this State which I have no doubt can resolve the matter satisfactorily.

Will the Leader invite the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to the House early in the new term to discuss the Action Plan for Jobs 2015. We all very much welcome the drop in unemployment to 10% and the fact that more people are at work in every region. We need to keep the pressure on and look at areas where we are still weak and need to do a bit more work. A debate with the Minister on this matter would be appreciated.