Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I understand that Deputy O'Dea has received legal advice and I will defer to that. It is a very difficult area of legislation and I declare an interest as an employer myself. It is very difficult for SMEs.

Any changes we make, however technical, can have many implications for small businesses and employer-employee relationships. Most employers and their employees, especially small ones, get on very well, have a good relationship and mutual respect. Deputy Penrose indicated this will go the Seanad for discussion as well. It is important, though, in legislation we pass here that we try to have an overview of how this might impact on employers and employees. From the employers point of view, it can be onerous to meet the burden of proof. Deputy Penrose is a barrister used to this area, but it can be very difficult, time consuming and expensive. We need to make haste slowly.

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