Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

Like Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh, I, too, was concerned that those who would be affected by this provision would also be affected by JLC reviews. I put this point to a number of the hoteliers who appeared before us and was encouraged to hear them say they would only apply the measure to new, not existing employees. As the Minister said, having carried out her own research following what Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh had to say in the Dáil, employers care about this measure and, therefore, we must give them the benefit of the doubt. The bottom line is that an employer is a multiplier. In this environment we must encourage those who can get more people working. Let us give this measure a chance. I am willing to give it the time needed to work. We must encourage employment creation.