Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know that the Deputy has highlighted the issue, including during Private Members' time on Fridays. I accept her bona fides in bringing the issue to the House. I have asked the Office for Government Procurement to look into the matter when considering the implementation of the directive.

The directive obliges us to give consideration to how we wish to adhere to "applicable obligations" in labour law. While most of the directive is mandatory, each member state has a policy choice on which appropriate measures to adopt to ensure compliance with this obligation. That is the discussion I wish to have between now and 12 December.

I am approaching the matter with an open mind. The Minister, Deputy Howlin, undertook significant work during our Presidency of the European Council in getting this through the European Parliament. Considering Ireland's leadership role, I want to ensure Ireland is best in class and that we transpose these directives in a way that ensures flexibility and does not gold-plate them while also addressing the social and labour law issues that we have discussed here and that I am sure we will continue to discuss.

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