Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)

I accept that the Minister has taken on board some of the points we have made. However, the issue in regard to pension schemes, as set out in section 6, must be dealt with. Otherwise there will remain a serious inequality, whereby agency workers will not have the same arrangements as full-time employees. Will the Minister review this matter? A person's entitlements on retirement is an important aspect of his or her long-term role in the workplace. If this matter is not dealt with as it affects agency workers, they will remain very vulnerable.

I reiterate our disappointment at the provisions relating to the so-called Swedish derogation. The Minister has said he has not taken the line we propose because it has not been an issue. Surely we should be taking legislative action to prevent employers from abusing the requirement in regard to the figure of 50% of pay. This should be included in the Bill rather than being left open to challenge in the future.

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