Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is clear that good progress has been made. This was only referred to the Office of the Attorney General on 4 May, but there has already been a first draft from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. While I cannot provide the Deputy with a precise date, all the indications are that the Bill will be published at an early date once the drafting process is finalised. I appreciate the points the Deputy makes and the points which were made at the joint committee. It is important to move to ensure workers on low-hour contracts who consistently work more hours each week than are provided for in their contracts of employment are entitled to be placed in a band of hours which reflects the reality of the hours they have worked over an extended period. There are also other aspects of the Bill. I will discuss it further with my officials to see if I can get a clear indication. Given that a first draft has been provided, it may be in the House early in the next term, depending on the complexity and responses of my Department.

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