Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

First, the Employment Law Compliance Bill is to give statutory recognition to an authority which is operating at present and which has an inspectorate, known as NERA. Unfortunately, however, when it comes to the extremely serious issues that were raised about the exploitation of vulnerable workers, which is completely unacceptable, the best defence when supporting people is to have information of good quality. However, it is important to indicate that even though the legislation has not been finalised and passed by this House, NERA has been in operation for a considerable time and additional inspectors have been appointed.

As for the animal health and welfare Bill, it was out for public consultation and the line Department is bringing it to finality at present.

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