Before asking about promised legislation, I ask the Taoiseach to join with me in expressing condolences to the family of our friend, Inez McCormack. Inez, who died yesterday, was a fearless opponent of injustice and a determined champion for civil and human rights for women, workers' rights and fair employment. I would like to extend our condolences to her husband Vincent, daughter, Anne, son-in-law Mark and grandchildren Maisie and Jamie. I looked up to Inez for most of my adult life, including during the 1960s, at which time Inez, as one of a number of brave people from the Protestant tradition, took part in the march to Burntollet, a march she continued up to her death.

My question on promised legislation relates to protection of workers' rights. We recently witnessed former workers of Vita Cortex, La Senza and Lagan Brick being forced to occupy their former workplaces to get their entitlements.

We now see exactly the same situation being repeated with HMV. A related issue, on which the Taoiseach may not wish to comment, is with regard to HMV not honouring gift vouchers. In England because of public uproar-----

That is a separate issue.

-----the administrators have bowed to this. I wonder whether the Government can intervene on this issue. When will the promised legislation to strengthen protection of workers' rights be brought forward?

I take it the Deputy is referring to the workplace relations Bill which will be published in this session. I know the difficulties the workers in Irish stores have with HMV. I am glad the moneys for the charitable cause for the little girl will be made available; at least I understand they will. I hope the same facility will be extended to Irish stores as is being extended to people in Britain, where vouchers held will be credited by HMV. Even though the stores are closed in Ireland it should be a matter of completion, from this point of view at least, that whatever vouchers out there would be credited in stores, either through those still open in Britain or through a facility extended in Ireland.

I agree with Deputy Adams in respect of the late Inez McCormack. She did a wonderful job for ICTU, and her courage in speaking out for progression in respect of labour rights for workers, and women in particular, is to be commended. I fully concur with Deputy Adams in this matter.