In the programme for Government, the Government gives a commitment to implement a working family payment. We already have a working family payment in form of the family income supplement. When I spoke to striking workers at the Tesco stores in Bray and Greystones, I was alarmed when a number of them told me that management has threatened that their family income supplement payments will be stopped because of their engagement in industrial action. When I checked with the Department, I was informed that if workers engage in industrial action, their payments may be suspended.

A question, Deputy.

The fear is that once payments are suspended, the Department says it could take up to six months to get them reinstated.

I thank the Deputy

Can I ask the question?

It must be a question on promised legislation.

This Government is facilitating the bully-boy tactics of Tesco management, which is threatening workers that their family income supplement payments will be stopped.

The Deputy cannot take advantage-----

Can the Tánaiste and the Minister for Social Protection confirm that no family income supplement payments will be stopped?

On the first part of the question, we are developing proposals for working family payments and I hope to have them completed well in advance of the budget in order that they can inform the budget discussions. On the particular issue the Deputy mentioned, I understand that once somebody qualifies for family income supplement, he or she continues to have it paid for a year even if there is a change in his or her circumstances. To the best of my knowledge, it should not be stopped if a person engages-----

The legislation provides that it may be stopped when engaging in industrial action.

-----in legal industrial action. However, I will follow up on the matter. I certainly do not believe it should not be paid.

Can the Minister give a commitment that no payments to Tesco workers will be stopped?

I will have to check the law on it first in order to determine the position.