Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I thank Senator Mullins who has fully briefed himself on the issues involved in the legislation. This does not fit in with the Minister's action plan for jobs. Is the Minister of State indicating that legislation should decide for a person seeking a job what the comparator should be? That does not make sense. In essence, the Government is determining that a hirer will not decide this issue for a person who is unemployed and seeking a job. This is the worst legislation I have seen coming to this House and we should freeze it, consider it and revert to the Minister. It is interpretation of an EU directive gone mad. We talk about creating employment but another part of the Department is doing the opposite. Does the Minister of State believe the unemployed people who are looking for jobs will thank him for this?