I am calling for a debate on zero-hour contracts as there is no doubt such contracts are bad for the Exchequer. There is a swindle of Irish taxpayers by multi-million euro companies that is going completely under the radar. This relates to large companies using zero-hour contracts to employ staff who in turn must supplement their incomes through social welfare benefits. Zero-hour contracts are not just bad for the country's living standards, they are also bad for the Exchequer, as low pay is a drain on public finances. If we consider the wages of people on zero-hour contracts, they must be routinely topped up by the Government through the payment of in-work benefits. I am firmly of the view that low pay must be supported but on the flip side, the taxpayer is subsidising the wage bills of large private companies. Their actions are driving up benefits bills and are making it more difficult for us to reduce the deficit in public finances.

What is the Minister of State, Deputy Nash, doing about it?

Low pay, as part of the zero-hour contract issue, stifles our economy and stunts taxes coming to the Exchequer. This results in more Government borrowing, which we simply cannot afford. In effect, it is the taxpayer who is indirectly supplementing the incomes of the low-paid while subsidising the wage bill of employers. It sickens me to see companies that pimp the green colour on brands doing this. It is time for them to show some patriotism and give regular contracted hours to staff. There should be a fair day's pay for a fair day's work.

The Minister of State, Deputy Nash, should do something about it.

Sinn Féin does not have the monopoly on this issue.

I call on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to come into the Seanad-----

No, the Minister needs to do something about the matter.

-----so we can debate this issue.

Sinn Féin never claimed it had a monopoly.

A debate would afford us an opportunity to look for solutions-----

It is not-----

We never claimed a monopoly.

-----and to properly thrash it out. Sinn Féin does not have a monopoly on the issue.

I call Senator Bradford.

We need to do something about it.

I have called for a debate and hope that we will get one now.

We need more than a debate.

Sinn Féin can shout outside the Chamber all they want.

I am trying to get a real solution for people.