Much of the progressive legislation that comes before the House is influenced by and is as a result of European Union directives. This Bill arises from the implementation of the provisions of Directive 1999/70/EC of the Council of Europe concerning the framework agreement on fixed-term work concluded by the general cross-industry organisations at European level. This country has reaped the benefits of such progressive legislation since we joined the European Union. Ireland would not be as forward-looking or progressive if we had not joined the European Union. We are a great advertisement to the applicant countries which will join in May next year.