Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)

This matter was discussed on Committee Stage. This is a positive suggestion which would improve the legislation. It must be seen against the backdrop of a 76 week waiting lists for a rights commissioner hearing and a system that is grinding to a standstill. Anything that assists in avoiding a further burden on that situation should be welcomed. It would be unworkable to suggest that a casual employee would have to wait 76 weeks to have his or her case heard, by which time the case would be only a long distance memory. This measure would not cost anything and would reduce the burden on the State's industrial relations machinery. I do not see any reason the Minister could not accept this amendment.

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