Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have a difficulty with the section as drafted. We are all familiar with the situation of an employer who employs only one type of employee but there are many businesses that employ different categories of employee. Deputy Clare Daly gave a number of examples. We are all aware of the extreme cases, such as employers of part-time baggage handlers and part-time pilots. If would be ridiculous, when a pilot vacancy becomes available, if the employer would have to offer it to a baggage handler, but that is precisely what the section as drafted provides. This is not only about baggage handlers, pilots, nurses and medical attendants. There are a number of grey areas. Deputy Clare Daly said that it is implied that people must have the requisite skills or experience to take up the work that the employer is compelled to offer them, but why imply it? Why not write it into the legislation? It is only a few words.

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