As the Taoiseach knows, Tesco workers are out on strike. Workers' rights are under attack. With existing agreements and contracts, attempts are being made to change and undermine them. Workers have been forced to fight back and protect their rights. The strike is about union-breaking and, if not won, it will lead to a race to the bottom. Sinn Féin is bringing forward a Bill, the Industrial Relations (Right to Access) (Amendment) Bill. Will the Taoiseach support it? Does he support workers' rights? Does he support people's right to be in a union? The Taoiseach has long said he is a supporter of the Haddington Road agreement. If so, will he not call on others to stick by their agreements?

Yesterday evening, I met a number of the workers protesting and picketing outside the Tesco branch of Longford. It is one of the eight shops out on strike. Although there are only 250 staff out of a workforce of over 10,000 affected by the savage cuts to terms and conditions, 100% of the employees in Longford went out in solidarity with their colleagues.

The Taoiseach's programme for Government gives a commitment to protect employees' rights. What is the Government's intention to ensure the rights of the workers in Tesco, albeit a small minority? How does the Taoiseach intend to ensure their rights are protected into the future?

The Taoiseach has a fantastic opportunity, just given to him by Deputy Dessie Ellis, to send a message of solidarity to the workers in Tesco. His silence on this will speak volumes to the workers. They have been treated disgracefully. They deserve the solidarity of this House.

I do support workers' rights and the right of workers to join trade unions. I hope this matter can be resolved. I heard some comment on the public airways about the nature of the strike and the issues that are at stake. I understand unions and management worked with the WRC and Labour Court. Both sides worked in this regard and there was no agreement. Clearly, this matter can be resolved successfully only in the same way as all other such matters, namely, by using the machinery of the State in negotiations.

The Taoiseach should support our Bill.

I hope that applies in the case of the Tesco workers. I can fully understand that while the number outside Longford or any other premises might not include all the workforce, support always exists because those on strike are acquaintances, colleagues and friends. Let us hope this matter can be discussed rationally and that the differences, whatever they are, can be settled so the staff can get back to work.