Nessa Cosgrove (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses and thank them for attending and for their briefing documents.

Many of my questions have already been asked. I welcome the impact of change in the claims under unfair dismissals and equality legislation. There is a person I am currently working with for whom this came up, so this is welcome.

It has been mentioned that people find accessing the WRC and their rights confusing. Is there any way, particularly via ICTU, we could see more emphasis on workers' rights centres included? This could also be done via the Citizens' Information Board, and people would feel it was okay to access and get information.

The right to collective bargaining should be part of this. How can we, within this forum, push this on and include the Respect at Work campaign, for example? This is an area the committee can cover and it would address some of the concerns. It is scandalous that people with disabilities are on lower wages. The EU directive on the adequate minimum wage is something we could discuss. Could I get a lead from the witnesses on how we can ensure that happens? That is my first question, and it is for Mr. Joyce, Ms Ryan or Ms Walsh.