Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)

I join previous speakers in asking the Minister of State to consider this amendment, which is at the core of the problem. Perhaps he has indicated that there is light at the end of the tunnel in that the State has been able to bring in people doing the same job on lower rates of pay. It seems illogical and inconceivable that a company employing agency workers would have to pay people a rate higher than the current going rate if the people were hired directly. This is where there is a potential to lose jobs. If companies must pay agency workers at a significantly higher rate to comply with legislation, jobs will be lost in such a situation. We must do everything possible to protect businesses throughout the country. I know figures are possibly being plucked from the air and there is a certain amount of scaremongering about how many jobs will be lost. There is a potential to lose some jobs, and any loss of jobs would be undesirable.

Will the Minister of State consider the issue to see if a position similar to that taken by the State can be achieved? It should be possible to hire people on a rate of pay which reflects our current economic position, with agency workers paid at the rate that would apply right now if the company was to hire a direct employee and put them into employment. I know the passion with which people who are currently employers have spoken on the issue, and it is worth considering. Senator Mary Ann O'Brien mentioned some companies and I am aware of their position and very real concerns.

I urge Senators not to press this amendment to a vote to allow the Minister of State can to consider it further to see whether we can, in some way, bring about a position where the comparator can be with an employee hired in today's economic climate at today's rate.