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

There is probably nothing worse to say to a woman than she is predictable, but the Deputy knows that my answer will be similar to what I said to Deputy Joan Collins. There genuinely are some people who want the flexibility of dipping in and out whenever it suits them. The Deputy is trying to strengthen the position of people in that situation, but all of the Bill's other provisions go a long way towards strengthening the hand of those who are being ill-treated or maligned.

Only a small number of people are involved, but the amendment would affect all students who work seasonally. It would also affect people with caring responsibilities who only want to be able to work when their kids are off on holidays. Whatever flexible arrangements exist currently would not be able to exist in future because of this and the previous amendments.

As I did with Deputy Collins, I will ask Deputy Penrose whether we can take this amendment offline, have a conversation between now and Report Stage and try to do something that keeps both of us happy.