Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 9, subsection (4)(b)(ii), lines 15 and 16, to delete: "the last day of service prior to"

This amendment deals with starting times when the Bill comes into operation. On Second Stage we discussed the importance and unimportance of the time period of 40 years. For the Minister to plan 40 years ahead showed him to be a visionary displaying good planning and management, but when I raised problems that might arise in 40 years I was met with the response that the plan would not come into operation for another 40 years, so what was I worried about? For this reason I am not sure how to pitch what I am saying.

We are talking about something that will only come into operation in 40 years. Rather than referring to some vague period six months after 1 April, the Bill should refer to six months after 1 April. This has the advantage of clarity and it is tidier, although it will not make a huge difference down the line. We will know that if there is doubt in the matter of when people take up employment and so on, the date will be set at 26 weeks after 31 March rather than 26 weeks after the last day of service prior to 31 March. The latter introduces variables and is difficult to implement. There is no great principle involved. It also gives people a chance to settle in and obtain a feel for the legislation.