Ollie Crowe (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Cox for explaining the need to work within the company in order that employees will buy in, there will be a better work-life balance and there will be great rewards from that. It has to come that way.

I raised this issue earlier but I will do so again in order that I am clear. If there are certain sectors or areas where this is not possible to implement, are there concerns about creating a two-tier workforce? Healthcare strikes me as an area where a four-day week cannot possibly be implemented. Are there concerns as to the challenges this would cause? This year, it is much more difficult for students to be accepted to study medicine or nursing. Is there a concern, however, that five or ten years down the line, this could turn people off going into those professions? That is something we have to be conscious of and seek to address.

Finally, does Mr. O'Connor have specific numbers on 2022 and on how many companies throughout the country have taken up the pilot scheme at this stage?