Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 95:

In page 11, to delete lines 11 to 15 and substitute the following:

"(c) a statement—

(i) of the requirement under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 that the foreign national concerned be paid at least the national minimum hourly rate of pay by his or her employer and the effect of subsections (1), (3) and (4) of section 22, or

(ii) where better terms and conditions of employment in an employment regulation order or registered employment agreement are in effect, of what the applicable terms and conditions of employment for the foreign national are; and".

The wording under section 8(2)(c) provides a statement of the requirement under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000 that the foreign nationals concerned should be paid the national minimum hourly rate. I tabled this amendment because the terminology in the Bill could be seen to be restrictive.

There are various registered employment agreements and employment regulation orders under the Industrial Relations Acts that provide greater protection for employees. I hope the Minister of State will consider the amendment, which would provide clarity and remove some of the restrictions in the current arrangement.

See this speech in context