Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 7, between lines 31 and 32, to insert the following:

"(a) in subsection (1) after "designated for the time being under subsection (3)"

to insert:

", and includes a person who was formerly a worker but has ceased to be a worker prior to the making of a claim of breach of the said Acts relating to a period during which the person was a worker",".

I welcome the Minister of State. There is an unjust provision whereby a person who does not refer a complaint to the employment rights mechanisms prior to ceasing employment or retiring is deprived of redress. The amendment would define "worker" to include former workers. This is very important, as it must be open to former or retired workers to seek redress where they were deprived of rights when working. The requirements of justice are such that the legislation should be amended to provide a facility for such workers to have their grievances examined. I, therefore, ask the Minister of State to accept the principle of justice involved and the amendment.