Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is in line with a recommendation that emanated from the report of the University of Limerick. It is the kernel of the issue. The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has noted that the provision which seeks to pay a worker for a minium of three hours' work, whether he or she is required to work, is in line with the recommendation made.

Most of us are motivated by that. Deputy Collins made the point in regard to retail workers. Notwithstanding my support for the Bill, it highlights the fact that the prohibition of zero-hour contracts excludes casual workers. That is the whole issue and why the last amendment about which myself and Deputy O'Dea spoke is so important. That is why, in the absence of the significant or the principal amendment being accepted, this three hour minimum would be the very minimum. I ask the Minister to devise a way to include this in the Bill which would be strengthened immeasurably by its inclusion.