Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)

I support the amendment. We are dealing with a situation that affects those who are at the very bottom of the pay scale. The section deals with circumstances where employers can seek exemptions in the context of not paying the low levels of pay that will inevitably be awarded in any event under the EROs. It would not be unreasonable, therefore, to request information on payments made to directors during the previous years. I have no doubt that within the meaning of the new section 33A(5)(b), the Labour Court may conclude that such information should be supplied. However, I am of the view that it would be better if this were spelled out in explicit terms.

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