Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

An approach was made to the Department seeking a preliminary view but it was on the basis of the initial proposal that was brought forward. As the Deputy knows, we moved beyond this initial proposal. Legal advice has been sought on the basis of giving a preliminary review but as the Deputy knows it is not legally binding and therefore we are not in a position to give a full determination. At the same time, it is important to state that the preliminary view was given on the initial application or consideration of the first application and then it was changed. As I stated and as has been indicated and there has been a great deal of interaction between the social partners and ourselves, it is only a preliminary view that can be given. If it is straightforward it can go through the normal processes but for absolute clarity the matter would need to go before the Employment Appeals Tribunal.

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