David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."

If Taoiseach would give me his attention, I appeal to him to read the Bill. It is an important one that goes to the heart of an issue that affects many low paid workers in this State. The Taoiseach will be aware that a report was commissioned by the previous Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation on "if and when" contracts. The exploitation of people on low hour contracts, especially in the retail sector but across many other sectors, is an important issue. This Bill will allow workers to apply for a contract that is reflective of their actual working week. Unfortunately, we have far too many instances of workers who were on 15-hour contracts for perhaps ten years working 30 hours and 40 hours week in, week out. This is a way for companies to exploit their workers. The Taoiseach has often asked us to put forward solutions to problems. This Bill offers a solution. At some point we will move this Bill in Private Members' time and I hope the Taoiseach will support it.. I appeal to him and to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to read the Bill. It is earnest in its intent and has the support of many trades unions. I believe it would fix a problem which affects many low paid workers and workers who are on low hour contracts in this State.

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