Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Every one us campaigned to have a six-month look-back period with the Dunnes Stores workers who sought the provision. It was reflected in the Bill brought through by Deputy Cullinane, as he reflected the demands of the Dunnes Stores workers. It was kicked to 18 months and Fianna Fáil spoke of setting it at 13 months. It was going all over the place. On Committee Stage there was an amendment setting this at 12 months and Mandate and union members have said they can live with this. We are not going to win a six-month provision here anyway, and achieving a 12-month provision is good from that perspective.

See this speech in context