John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Are people not being declared guilty until proven innocent? The position here is that many people leave their jobs or go through constructive dismissal or, as I stated earlier, are sacked justifiably. However, if they decide to take a case of unfair dismissal against the employer and so on, I do not believe one has a right to judge them until this case is heard by the legislative body, which is the Labour Court or a commissioner or whatever. Put simplistically, I make the point that until a decision is made by that body, which Members have put in place as legislators in this House, people should not be prohibited from having some subsistence during that period before the hearing is held. This is a simple, reasonable request that shows compassion to a small group of people who go through constructive dismissal, who may have been bullied out of their jobs, who may be obliged to leave or who may have psychological problems.

They may consider that they have to proceed with the matter further, through their union or otherwise, to the Labour Court. They should be given that additional time and should not be declared guilty until a final decision is made.

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