Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for his comprehensive reply. Despite all the information he gave, he omitted one small item of information in which I am particularly interested, namely, when the legislation will be introduced into the House for implementation. The Minister is constantly making the point that this is vital to stem the haemorrhage of job losses in the sectors covered by joint labour committees, JLCs. If this is the case then why the lack of urgency with the legislation? Apparently, the Minister cannot inform us when approximately the legislation will appear.

It is part of the Minister's proposals that the scope of employment regulation orders should be limited to regulating pay and conditions for those on adult basic rates. Does he realise this will leave the rates for more experienced or skilled employees to be agreed between employers and employees at firm level? Does the Minister not agree that this will put an irresistibly downward pressure on wage rates in this sector?

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