Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

With respect to the Minister of State, I have heard that reply before. This legislation is a long time coming. In March 2012 a consultation document was issued by the Department and a commitment given that the Bill would be published in the third quarter of that year. We are still waiting. The Minister of State has indicated that the drafting of the Bill has been given priority and that it will be brought forward before the summer recess. I hope that is the case. The proposed Bill has been included in every legislative programme since the end of 2012 and it is critical that it be progressed without further delay. Economic recovery cannot be premised on the erosion of workers' rights. We have seen many cases in recent years, during the Government's term of office, where workers have had to fight for their entitlements. We see it again this week in the case of Ivan's in Limerick where workers have found themselves obliged to engage in a sit-in in order to secure their rights. I hope the Minister of State will adhere to the timetable he has indicated to have the Bill published before the summer recess. We must provide a legislative basis to ensure workers receive their full entitlements.

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