Under the programme for Government, there is a commitment to establish a sectoral task force on the new national economic plan. It is a very sad reflection of the programme for Government that there is literally nothing in it on workers' rights. An issue of deep concern, as the Tánaiste is well aware because it is now his area of responsibility, is the High Court judgment in regard to sectoral employment orders. We in the Labour Party have produced a Bill to reinstate those orders for the electrical, construction and mechanical engineering sectors. The Tánaiste is the Minister with responsibility in this area. There are thousands of workers dependent on sectoral orders, which were introduced by our colleague, the then Minister of State, Deputy Nash, when the Tánaiste was a Minister alongside me in government. The general secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Patricia King, has written to the Tánaiste on this issue. What is he proposing to do about it? Will he introduce new legislation or appeal the judgment?

The Tánaiste should remember that this situation is creating a dangerous precedent. Thousands of workers are depending on him to ensure that they are protected.

This is a very important issue for those whose pay and terms and conditions are governed by sectoral employment orders, including electrical contractors, construction workers, some engineers and contract cleaners. I have considered the matter with the Minister of State, Deputy English, and sought the advice of the Attorney General. I can confirm to the House that it is our intention to appeal the judgment to the Supreme Court. We have until 14 July to make that appeal and will be making it. I wish to send a clear message from this House to all affected workers and their employers that until the case is heard by the Supreme Court and a judgment is made, there must be no unilateral diminution of the workers' terms and conditions by any employer. It is important that that is known.