Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was a broad welcome for the proposals that were agreed. As the Deputy rightly pointed out, this is very complex. One is dealing with ICTU and Ibec, and this is where we had to draw a balance in the middle. We wanted to ensure that we protected low-paid workers. This is what the legislation was all about. It was not about anybody else. It was about vulnerable workers and low-paid workers. At the same time, we need to be conscious of the employers and the jobs which they are providing. This is why a delicate balance had to be struck. I believe that the legislation we are proposing now strikes the right balance that will ensure that low-paid workers will be protected and that we eliminate zero-hour contracts. We know that there were not too many zero-hour contracts in the country but nevertheless we are providing for this in the legislation. There is other important legislation, particularly on employees getting information when they start employment with a company.

We are proposing four legislative measures. I will try to get the Deputy the heads of Bill when they are proposed. It is important that we all work together on this to ensure that low-paid workers are protected, and at the same time we will strike the right balance so we are not putting employers under pressure as well.

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