Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the amendment. I will take the opportunity to speak on the section. A number of amendments were ruled out of order. One of them was tabled by Deputy Cowen and one was tabled by me. The amendment related to a cohort of public servants who would be excluded under the legislation, particularly those who are working under the circular at present. The policy adviser in my office met with the Minister of State's officials and I thank the officials for providing us with the explanation. It was quite a detailed explanation of the reason they are being excluded. Has the Minister of State examined it to try to address those anomalies on Report Stage? If he has not, that is fair enough but has he given it further consideration? A small cohort of people who are currently working under a circular will not benefit from this legislation.