Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The principal measures will include the following. The number of JLCs will be reduced from 13 to six. JLCs will have the power only to set a basic adult rate and two higher increments to reflect longer periods of service. JLCs will no longer set Sunday premium rates or any other conditions of employment covered by universal standards provided for in existing legislation, but the special position of Sunday working will still be recognised. Companies will be able to derogate from employment regulation orders, EROs, in case of financial difficulty. In setting rates, JLCs will have to take into account factors such as unemployment rates, competitiveness and wage trends here and in our major trading partners. Record-keeping requirements for employers in these sectors will be reduced. The constitutionality of EROs will be restored through inclusion of robust principles and policies. The arrangements and critera applying to the registration, variation and cancellation of registered employment agreements will be made more secure, from a constitutional perspective.

The heads of a Bill to give effect to the reform proposals are being prepared by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. They have been agreed by Government and communicated to the Attorney General, who has agreed to give the highest priority to drafting this legislation. It is the Minister's intention to have a Bill ready to introduce to the Oireachtas at the earliest possible opportunity.

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