Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I do not propose to accept the amendment. This is a standard provision in legislation where staff transfer from one body to another. It provides that the transferred staff will have the same terms and conditions that they currently have as required under the European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations 2003. I understand the intent of the Deputy's amendment. As we amalgamate agencies we will need to ensure we get real efficiencies and changes to work practices so that we benefit from such amalgamation of agencies. However, in this instance given the number of staff and the increased demands on ComReg it is appropriate for us to allow for the transfer in the way provided for.

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