Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the issue of bogus self-employment in the construction industry. In fairness, the Government has recognised that this is a huge issue and initiated an investigation. It has been estimated that 27,600 self-employed people work in the construction industry. These people are forced to operate as sole traders by unscrupulous employers and, as a result, lose out on sick pay, holiday pay and protection provided by employment legislation.

I raise this issue today because tomorrow a right of access Bill will be debated in the Dáil. The legislation would support the right of trade union officials to access construction sites, and not just construction sites. The legislation would be the most effective way to tackle this scourge and afford protection to these workers in the industry.

I am disappointed but not surprised to hear that Fine Gael will oppose the Bill. It is a reasonable demand for trade union officials to have the right to access sites in agreement and consultation with employers. I am more disappointed to hear that Fianna Fáil will also oppose the Bill. I have heard that construction employers have lobbied Fianna Fáil. Traditionally, there has always been strong links between construction employers and Fianna Fáil. As a result, disappointingly-----