Seanad debates

Thursday, 1 March 2012

Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Bill 2011: Committee Stage

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and the clarification he has provided. I appreciate his honest answer which I accept, that he does not know what the likely job losses will be and that there is no evidence in Britain of job losses. Was any evaluation carried out or research undertaken by the Department or the Minister on the possible implications of enacting the legislation?

My second question is about the consultation process. The Minister said he had met the social partners. What companies did he meet? Did he meet representatives of IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to discuss the implications of the legislation? What was involved in the consultation process and how extensive was it?

Third, for absolute clarity, is the Minister of State saying with regard to the amendments - the amendment we have tabled has been drafted in accordance with Article 5.1 of the directive - that he will look at it again before Report Stage or that he will not re-examine it? That will determine whether we will call a vote on it. I would like to think he would see some merit in at least re-examining it before Report Stage. As it is in accordance with the directive, his earlier answer that he could not accept it because it would not be in compliance with the directive is not accurate. I do not know whether he made that comment with regard to amendment No. 6 or No. 7.

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