Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government includes various commitments in regard to achieving full employment, noting that work is key to independence and social integration. The House has repeatedly agreed motions seeking to make employment sustainable and ensure decent working conditions for employees. There has been much debate in recent days about the consequences of an early election. In the midst of all that discussion, I was struck by a report by Jack Power in The Irish Timeswhich pointed to the significant numbers of people employed in the Oireachtas on if-and-when contracts. That this is happening sends a poor message to employers. Will the Taoiseach join with me in asking the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission to ensure if-and-when contracts are no longer given to staff employed by it?

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