John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

Given that the companies Bill has approximately 1,300 sections can the relevant committee debate it in order to provide an input? As it is such complex legislation, it would be worthwhile for the House to have a debate on it.

Will the Minister review SI 99 relating to the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 as it giving rise to serious difficulty with inspections by NERA, in particular with regard to apprentices to hairdressers and barbers? It is causing considerable distress in that sector and will cause difficulty for those who are serving their apprenticeships on the basis of the practice that has grown up regarding the serving of that time. NERA does not acknowledge the apprenticeship and therefore there will be problems for those engaged in the apprenticeship and their employers.

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