Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

This further emphasises that the Minister shall not be or be deemed to be an employer within the meaning of the Terms of Employment (Information) Acts 1994 and 2001 by virtue only of the provision of funding to a person or persons under a scheme.

I note that amendment No. 6 tabled by Senator Ryan relates to this issue. I have taken legal advice on this matter and am advised that the text as it is now proposed addresses the concerns of Senators. This amendment now provides an exemption for the Minister from being treated as an employer where funding is provided under a contract of employment by the Minister. The provision in the Bill only relates to the provision of funding to a person or persons under a scheme.