Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am adamant that people are entitled to get the five simple pieces of information within five days of commencing employment. The vast majority of people in this country who employ others treat them well and look after them. A small number of people do not do so and this legislation is aimed at them. Five days is a reasonable amount of time within which to give employees the information. If employers do not give it within that timeframe there will be a large penalty. The reaction from industry and from the unions whose members will be affected by this is very interesting. The argument that they put forward is that a criminal offence should not be introduced into employment law but I would point out that this is not the first time that criminal offences have been included in employment law. This is certainly not new. Criminal sanctions have been handed down under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, the National Minimum Wage Act 2000, the Employment Permits Act 2003, the Workplace Relations Act 2015 and the Payment of Wages Act 1991. All of those who break the law should be subject to the law. We are introducing a new law here to ensure that people who are in precarious and mostly low-paid employment will get the most basic information to which they are entitled. If employers want to make sure that they are not charged with a criminal offence, they must give the five pieces of information required within five days. It is very simple. I cannot suggest to the committee that I can undo this or take out the criminal offence provisions because five days is enough for employers to provide five small and simple pieces of information to employees, to show them the dignity and respect they deserve. I do not think that is too harsh.