Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The Minister replied that the legislation will be published this session. What is the status of the Government's objection to the European Union directive? The Governments of Ireland and Hungary are holding up this directive. The British Government has reached agreement with trade unions and industry and is withdrawing its objection. As I understand it, a meeting of the employment Council will take place on 9 June at which this matter could be progressed. It is not reasonable that European Union legislation which would provide rights to workers is being held up by this country. I want this objection withdrawn, particularly if, as the Minister stated, the Government is ready to proceed with the publication of domestic legislation. I do not see any reason to continue to block the progress of European legislation on the matter.

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