Harney rejects responsibility for Gama scandal

The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, has rejected suggestions that she is partly to blame for the low-pay scandal involving the Turkish construction firm Gama.

It emerged earlier this year that the company was paying Turkish workers in Ireland as little as €2-an-hour.

The workers mounted a campaign over the matter and subsequently learned that some of their outstanding wages had been lodged in a Dutch bank on their behalf.

Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins has claimed that Ms Harney was partly responsible as she and her officials had been involved in attracting Gama to Ireland.

However, Ms Harney told the Dáil today: "I had no hand, act or part in bringing this company to Ireland.

"What I did as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment was I encouraged investment into this country anywhere I went and I would still do that."