Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I join with my colleague, Senator Bacik, in welcoming all the people in the Gallery. They are my colleagues from Equity, the Musicians Union of Ireland, the National Union of Journalist and SIPTU. This is a very significant day and I hope all of us will welcome it. This legislation is long overdue and it is probably worth repeating what Esther Lynch had to say when the Competition Act came into effect. She stated the authority's decision effectively turned the clock back almost 200 years to the era of the combination laws, which made it unlawful for workers to join together to press their employer for shorter hours and more pay. As we all know, the consequences over the past decade or more have been particularly harsh on people who make a major contribution to our society, the arts and so many other professions.

I must pay tribute to Senators Bacik and Nash in particular as they deserve full credit today. I chatted yesterday to Senator Bacik and I know there is a long history for her on the issue. Given what has happened in the past couple of days, it is important to recognise that the best antidote to some of the depressing politics happening worldwide is when all of us can come together and make a constructive difference. The Minister and Senator Reilly would be more used to me giving out and complaining about this Government - as I do, and I make no apologies for that - but equally I must give credit today. We have looked at this Bill in detail and the contribution from the Department has been very good. We must acknowledge that today in particular.

I am very happy with all the amendments, and they are significant in particular with regard to definitions, including those for collective bargaining for a self-employed worker. There has been a reference to the Dutch musician case and to the fully dependent self-employed worker, which relates to the International Labour Organization, ILO, deliberations. These are significant and the right choices to make. While it is long overdue, we welcome this. I hope the legislation will pass smoothly today and I urge the Minister to make great haste, if possible, as these people have waited more than long enough. It is fair to give everybody credit for what has happened today. It is a significant day and is it not great to see a Private Members' Bill pass through the Chamber this session? There should be congratulations across the board. I should be clear that this Bill has the full support of our party.