Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 6, to delete lines 24 and 25 and substitute the following:

"6.—(1) Without prejudice to section 11, and subject to subsections (3) and (4), the employer shall arrange for the election or appointment of one or more than one employees' representative under this section.".

The point in this amendment is that employees' representatives are not read as mandatory in all circumstances. It also aims to ensure that they belong only to their own employers. I am concerned that it might be regarded as mandatory rather than an option.

With regard to amendments Nos. 11 and 12 it is critical not to limit the methods of appointment to a proportional representation election. Many small businesses have their traditional means of appointment and PR is too clumsy for them. I am anxious that the appointment method is not closed off. If one is to have a representative it is not necessary to have a PR election in small companies. The elimination of the word "appointment" would cause me concern. It is critical not to limit the options but to maintain them as they are.