Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I join other speakers who called on the Leader to arrange for the appearance in the House of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Richard Bruton, to discuss the temporary agency workers directive. In so doing, I call on the Minister and the social partners to return to the table over the weekend as a matter of urgency to try to agree on some level of flexibility in respect of the directive. Members will recall that a number of weeks ago their colleague, Senator Mary Ann O'Brien, who is an employer made an impassioned plea to the Government and the social partners to ensure a degree of flexibility in respect of the directive. Small businesses will come under pressure and it is unrealistic to expect someone brought in temporarily to cover absences arising from sick leave or maternity leave to have the same entitlements immediately as those in long-term employment. Implementation of the directive will result in jobs being put at risk and will deter employers from taking on workers during busy periods or to provide cover during short-term absences. At a time when we are discussing the level of poverty, to which the only solution is the creation of employment, some flexibility is required. The British model of a 12 week qualifying period is realistic. I ask the social partners and the Minister to make a special effort in the next few days to address this issue as the directive is due to come into force from 5 December. This is a national emergency in that up to 7,000 jobs could be at risk. Therefore, the issue requires urgent attention.