Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)

If I remember correctly the Minister of State said the Bill was published in March, only six months ago. It appears strange that the Bill, the purpose of which was to establish the agency on a statutory footing, was published six months ago and yet has not been brought before the House for debate. The only explanation that would make sense is that the Bill is essentially a bad one and is flawed and that, among other things, it potentially criminalises employers. In my case, technically as an employer of my personal assistant and administrative assistant, which is the case for all Fine Gael members, I would have to post a notice in my office, on a regular basis, advising them of their rights and their ability to contact NERA etc. That is just one aspect of the Bill.

It appears the Bill, as drafted, was so bad and so objectionable to employers and unions that the Minister of State has not been able to bring it to the House. Will the Bill come before the House before Christmas and, if so, will it be substantially redrafted?

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