Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There has been a protracted consultation process to try to get agreement on this matter. Preliminary advice from the Attorney General's office has been received in respect of the extent of licensing of employment agencies having regard to Article 49 of the EU treaty on related matters. The Bill is not before the House and the social partners have not signed off on what we are trying to achieve. The discussions are continuing and will probably form part of the discussions that will shortly commence in respect of pay issues.

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