Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

That is certainly tenuous.

I thank Senator Leyden and all other Senators for their contributions. This marks the start of a consultation process, into which the input of Senators will feed its way. We have placed advertisements in the newspapers and on the Internet and the process will fully inform the preparation of the implementing legislation which I hope to be in a position to introduce to the House next year. When Senator Bradford queried who would be around to do this, it struck me we were a little like temporary agency workers, except that we had much less protection.

There are a number of issues I wish to clarify. There were a number of comments about the qualifying period which obviously will be in the consultation process. However, there are questions to be asked. Senator Ryan commented on the 12-week period. We share an island, part of which is in the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom. Therefore, for reasons of competitiveness, we need to look at the issue. The framework agreement will have to encompass the qualifying period and consider whether it is appropriate that from day the concept of equal treatment should apply. There are issues that affect our competitiveness, as Senator Bradford noted. In particular, I invite those who will get involved in the consultation process to give some thought and consideration to the difficult issues that arise in that regard.