David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

We believe in equity in pay. As a member of SIPTU, the Minister might accept that is a good position for someone to have when wanting to address differentials in pay.

To return to section 10, concerns have been raised with us with regard to the six month provision which may adversely affect certain groups of workers, for example, women who leave the workplace for a period to look after their children. I know this issue was dealt with on Committee Stage in the Lower House, but I would like to hear the Minister's response to this because it is unclear in the legislation how this affects workers who take leave of absence that exceeds the six-month deadline on or after the operative date of the scheme. The purpose of amending and extending the six-month deadline to two years is to provide for greater flexibility. Our amendment was ruled out of order on the basis of it involving a charge on the Exchequer. However, it related to this window whereby current employees would leave the public service for a period of no longer than six months and where, if their leave exceeded six months, they would re-enter the service, but would move from the old scheme to the new scheme. We ask that the period be extended from 26 weeks to 104 weeks to allow for greater flexibility. I hope the Minister appreciates the point we are making. I am aware the amendment has been ruled out of order, but given we can raise the issues under the section, I ask the Minister for a response.