Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I accept the need to address the issue of precarious employment, and the need for the HEA and funding institutes more broadly to be active in this space. I accept that and I know they would too. However, I do not believe this is the appropriate place for this amendment in legislation. Due to where it would be in the Bill, and the Bill it would be in, it would not achieve what the Deputy wishes to achieve. Working conditions are covered by employment legislation. If we were trying to achieve something in this regard, it would be better placed in employment legislation. We also have industrial relations procedures. All our universities, technological universities and institutes of technology are required to have industrial dispute mechanisms in place in accordance with relevant sectoral legislation.

It is for that reason, albeit somewhat of a technical one, that I am not in a position to accept the amendment. However, I do not disagree with the broader point the Deputy is making, and which she has asked me to agree with, on the need for the HEA to be active in this space. I am sure she will reflect on this between now and Report Stage. I do not believe the amendment will achieve what she wishes it to achieve because employment legislation is the appropriate place for it.