Maurice Quinlivan (Limerick City, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Today's business is pre-legislative scrutiny of the right to request remote working Bill 2021, recently referred by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Varadkar, for such scrutiny to the committee. He requested that it be done this month. The Bill aims to provide a legal framework around which requesting, approving or refusing a request for remote work can be based. It also aims to provide legal clarity and procedures for employers on their obligations when dealing with such requests. Subject to the views of members, I anticipate the committee may need to consult more interested parties on this matter ahead of preparing a report. Many people have been anticipating this Bill and there is huge concern about the way work is changing over recent years, especially with the pandemic.

I am pleased to have the opportunity to consider this matter and I welcome online officials from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment: Mr. Dermot Mulligan, assistant secretary, workplace relations and economic migration; Ms Wendy Gray, principal officer, employment rights policy unit; and Mr. Mark Doheny, employment rights policy unit.

I will explain some limitations regarding parliamentary privilege and the practices of the Houses with regard to reference witnesses may make to other persons in their evidence. The evidence of witnesses who are physically present or within the parliamentary precincts is protected by absolute privilege, pursuant to both the Constitution and statute. Witnesses are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice that they should not criticise or make charges against any person or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable, or otherwise engage in speech that may be regarded as damaging to the good name of the person or entity. Therefore, if a witness's statements are potentially defamatory in relation to an identifiable person or entity, that witness will be directed to discontinue his or her remarks. It is imperative he or she complies with any such direction.

The Department's opening statement has been circulated to all members. To commence consideration of this matter, I invite Mr. Mulligan to make his opening remarks.