Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I refer to today's protest outside the Oireachtas by the trade union, Unite, relating to English language teachers. I was unable to join the protest because I was attending a committee meeting but I understand the concerns of the protestors. I ask the Leader to request that the Minister come to the House to debate this issue. The protest was called to raise concerns about the qualifications and quality assurance (amendment) Bill, the scheme of which was published this week. According to the Unite trade union, the Bill leaves English language teachers behind. Members of the union are angry but not surprised that the draft legislation does not make a single reference to teachers and focuses instead on facilities.

It is disgraceful that the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, declined an offer to meet Unite to discuss its concerns. The message from Unite activists is simple; they are asking that the Minister and his officials engage with workers, listen to their concerns and ensure these concerns are reflected in the forthcoming qualifications and quality assurance legislation. They want the Department to stand up for workers and regulate employment standards in the English language teaching sector.

I am especially bothered by the Minister's response that this matter is one for the Workplace Relations Commission because it is a private sector issue. I am sorry but the Oireachtas regulates the private sector in all sorts of ways and the Minister's comment is an abrogation of his ministerial duty. I know the Leader is a passionate trade unionist and perhaps he will comment on the Minister's refusal to meet Unite on the issue. This decision seems to follow a disappointing pattern given that the Taoiseach, in his previous ministerial role, also refused to meet trade unions regarding the Workplace Relations Commission or accept representations from them.

Bogus self-employment is a major issue for the workers in question. I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to come to the House for a badly needed debate on this issue.