Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 14:

In page 18, between lines 20 and 21, to insert the following:

"(a) publish, and revise annually, an Alcohol and Drugs Policy directed at employees;".

This section could be contentious under the areas of privacy and human rights. The purpose of the amendment is to ensure that employers prepare an alcohol and drugs policy for their workers. It is in the interest of both employers and employees to have certainty about the policy on alcohol and drugs and the procedures to be adopted to give the necessary assurances to their fellow employees as well as to employers that no abuse of alcohol or drugs is evident in any format within the employees' working conditions. I am sure the Minister of State shares my concern in this regard. This amendment gives him an opportunity to show he is serious about tackling drugs and alcohol problems in the workplace. Its acceptance would help employers to be certain about the process they need to follow to ensure that the provision is not being abused. Genuine concerns exist about the protection of people's privacy and legitimate human rights. The publication and annual revision of a company's alcohol and drugs policy would be in the interests of employers and employees.

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