Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

I am afraid my point contains more negativity because there is another threat to a great deal of jobs in this country. It is nearly November. On 5 December, EU legislation will be introduced on the agency workers directive, something I am not sure Senators are aware of. It has two main aspects, equality and removal of restrictions. It must be enacted into Irish law by 5 December, a date which is almost upon us. Before we know it thousands of jobs will be lost overnight. In the first three months of this year agency and temporary workers accounted for 9,000 people and €35 million.

My company employs 100 full-time and 100 part-time staff. We are lucky enough to have won a large export contract. I am fortunate in that I am able to bring in temporary workers at the drop of a hat to help me in my factory for two or three months. If the directive is transposed, if my receptionist, who is 48 years of age, is out on sick leave for six months and I take in an 18 year old, I will need to pay him or her the same salary and treatment as if he or she has been with me for 15 years.