Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The reason the Bill was published was because a commitment was given in Towards 2016 to publish a Bill and to set up the National Employment Rights Authority on a statutory footing. The most important point to be made is that NERA is operating and has almost a complete complement of labour inspectors. It is enforcing employment rights compliance law which is welcome. It has collected substantial arrears for employees. The primary purpose of the National Employment Rights Authority is to ensure compliance with employment law. The Bill has two parts. Part 2 provides for the establishment of the National Employment Rights Authority on a statutory footing. It is up and running on an interim basis.

Over the coming weeks, much work remains to be done. Discussions are taking place with the Attorney General's office in the context of the most recent agreements arrived at in the social partnership.

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