Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I know that the amendments have been ruled out of order, but I wish to make an observation in passing. Everybody agrees that the correct thing to do is to totally eliminate zero hour and if and when contracts which have been a means of engaging in huge exploitation, some of which I have witnessed. The way to eliminate them is to provide for a guaranteed minimum of three hours' work per week. We are seeking to do this, but we are being told that it is contrary to the rules. I really impress on the Minister that if we want to eliminate zero hour and if and when contracts once and for all, this is the way to go. I urge her to take on board our amendment on Report Stage. She could do so within the rules.