Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Clearly, part-time work does not provide a full-time income support, which will always be the case. There has been a pattern in the recovery whereby there was an initial growth in part-time work whereas now 90% of increased employment relates to full-time positions, which is encouraging. Part-time workers are protected by employment law and must get the same terms and conditions as full-time workers. There is a protection in statute whereby zero hours workers who are required to be on call must be compensated to the tune of 25%. They also have rights in relation to annual holidays.

I will keep the area under review. One must strike a balance. Such contracts suit certain people and banning them will close out opportunities for people to supplement income in ways they find beneficial. I will bear in mind the points the Deputies have made.

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