Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

There is provision in the directive to bring the Bill into effect over a period, starting with undertakings with 150 employees down to undertakings with 50 employees. Deputy Howlin is correct in that it has taken a long time to bring even the first part of it to fruition. In the circumstances and in view of the experience it is sensible to avail of what is provided for under the transposition directive and to allow gradual implementation. It is not an unreasonable timescale in any event.

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