Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The families to whom I refer, unlike the family in the Workplace Relations Commission case, value and appreciate the work au pairs undertake. It is not an overstatement to say that, in many cases, au pairs become part of the family. Most au pairs have positive experiences with families here. The recruitment of most au pairs occurs via the Internet, which means that there is no opportunity for them to properly assess their working conditions and environment. This can lead to a host of problems and open up the au pair to potential exploitation. If the Bill is passed, the au pair and the host family will both have to sign a written agreement and go through an accredited au pair agency if the au pair exchange is to be considered legitimate. The written agreement will set out in precise detail the type of work in which the au pair will be engaged and the hours involved. As we have heard, au pairs will be required to work for no more than 30 hours a week and no more than seven hours a day. The Bill also provides for the establishment of mechanisms to hear complaints and resolve disputes on behalf of au pairs and host families. It is important to note that concerns have been raised by interest groups in this area which have an important role to play in ensuring the sector operates properly. The legislation will empower groups representing au pairs to ensure they are not being exploited or taken advantage of. I hope they will engage fully with the plans for the reform of this area. I am disappointed that the Minister has rejected the Bill. The Government has chosen instead to bury the au pair process underground, where au pairs will have no rights. The effects of the Government's undermining of the process will be seen in the future. It is a great disappointment.

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