David Norris (Independent)

I have one particular question for the Minister. I have always had sympathy for agency workers such as the people who were employed by Irish Shipping and such groups but there is a serious problem at the moment because the transposition of the EU agency workers directive is in the process of being done in what seems to be an inflexible way. I ask the Minister to review this transposition. I ask him to ensure it is as flexible as possible because we need flexibility in employment. I understand the Minister has been made aware of a report by Jim Power, the economist, which illustrates there could be a loss of up to 10,000 jobs if this directive is inflexibly implemented. I ask the Minister to give an undertaking to review it, particularly with regard to the comparative situation in the United Kingdom where there was a lead-in period of 12 weeks, a form of apprenticeship and this derogation was obtained with the assistance of the social partners. Is there a chance the Minister might be flexible? I know he is aware of the situation and I will provide him with some further information because I understand I have only one minute speaking time.