John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In principle I have no problem with regulations being drafted. When this Bill was first published I had an issue with what the Minister had to say, namely that it sought to ban zero-hour contracts in most circumstances. That in itself proved to be difficult, particularly for workers, who want an outright ban. When the Minister was pushed on this, she elaborated on the casual nature of summoned employment. The critical thing here is that this legislation is implemented as quickly as possible. This amendment seeks to have regulations drafted before the Bill actually comes into operation. That is where I have a serious problem. How long before the drafting of these regulations actually takes place? Deputy O'Dea has already said that his party is going to table amendments in the Seanad. That will obviously slow things up. It will inevitably have to come back into this House, so it could be October or November before it comes back in here. I am not sure. Maybe the Minister could give some outlines.

If this amendment goes through, how quickly could regulations be drafted? Would it be possible to draft them within that timeframe, over the summer recess or before the Bill actually gets to the Seanad?

The timeline is critical to all of this. We owe it to the workers to implement the Bill as quickly as possible. The trade unions are calling for it and the staff in Dunnes Stores are looking for it immediately. We know the Labour Court adjourned the case the Dunnes Stores workers were bringing forward. It is also looking at this issue. Time is of the essence. I will not stand over any attempt, intentionally or unintentionally, to slow down the drafting of regulations, and the workers out there will not be thankful for it either. Will the Minister answer the specific questions? If she is in agreement with this, how quickly could regulations be drafted? Would it be in line with the timeframe of the Bill coming back to this House ultimately?

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