Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Does the Minister of State have a timeline as to when this matter will be legislated for? I understand there is a timeline dictated by the European Union, but preparatory work also has to be under way. The report is done but the discussions now need to be had as to how that can be transposed into our system, which is primarily a voluntary system. If there is 80% collective bargaining coverage, that gives workers good power to negotiate at the level of their workplace. While it will still be voluntary, they will have a little more push to ensure their voices are heard. I am just concerned there will be some drift while there are discussions happening in several places. We just need to know not only that this is being knitted together but also that there is a timeline in place and that the Department has sight of when this legislation will be ready. I do not think the legislation will be quick or easy to do, but it is extremely important we get it right.

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