Mary Ann O'Brien (Independent)

Speaking as an employer I find the proposal difficult to comprehend given that we hear repeatedly from Ministers that job creation and the protection of existing jobs is their top priority. If the proposal is implemented it will stall job creation and in the long term may lead to businesses having to cease trading. I ask Members to imagine for a moment that they are employing 100 people who are all working very hard in a factory. Most of my staff have been with me in excess of ten years. I treat them fairly and well. They love working with me but it is hard work. I suggest to the Minister that she might push the measure through but exclude Mondays. To be honest, it is like giving one a choice of taking a Monday or Tuesday off to go to the doctor and say one is not feeling the best and know one is going to get paid for it. I do not think the Government has thought this one through.

As an employer running a small business, the labour laws of this country take up so much of our time, trying to survive in business.