Feargal Quinn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 18, after line 41, to insert the following:"(9) The employer to whom the attachment order is directed shall be entitled to withhold 5 per cent of the sums so deducted on behalf of the court, whether in lump or for every contribution, in order to cover the employer's administration costs.".

I am frustrated by every piece of law we introduce in this area adding to the difficulties of traders. We are trying to encourage entrepreneurs and the establishment of new business but we appear to be only burdening business with more paper work and red tape.

The amendment seeks to address the costs of business, in particular small and medium businesses, in complying with the new provisions of the Bill. Deduction of fines from wages does not appear to be work that should be done by the employer. I agree that if an employee refuses to pay a fine we must have in place some mechanism to ensure it is paid. We should avoid asking the employer to do the work of the courts.