Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

We support the thrust of the directive but the difficulty is that other member states have derogations and collective agreements. That allows them to enact legislation which enshrines disparity between agency workers and others, putting Ireland at a competitive disadvantage to them. We want to achieve a level playing pitch in our negotiations. We do not want to undermine competitiveness but, equally, we accept agency workers must be protected. It is unfair to claim Ireland is the only EU member state holding up this directive. Discussions and negotiations are ongoing. As Deputy Quinn was a Minister, he will be aware of how Council negotiations proceed.

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