Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Bill, although I have to admit it was not one to which I was paying particular attention. That speaks to the issue Senator Bacik mentioned about the Title. In a previous life I worked in the private sector for quite a long time. I was a director of human resources and logistics in a small to medium business where we had, on average, 50 employees. Once I started reading this Bill I got excited because it streamlines the myriad of different pathways. What is happening here is important. The idea of workplace relations did not resonate with me in terms of what the Minister of State is trying to achieve with regard to the structure. My experience of coming from an SME background is that it has a consequence on the culture of organisations. It is hoped we may never have to use the structures that are available but it helps frame how someone puts in their human resources practice, designs their workplace and what they do in the workplace. We have to be clear in what we are trying to achieve in that regard.

In his contribution the Minister of State committed to making some changes to the Bill, which I welcome.

In fact, what drew my attention to the Bill was being contacted by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions in respect of sections 72, 42 and 43. As other Senators have outlined those issues, I look forward to the amendments on Committee Stage that will be tabled by the Government and by other Senators and then, if needed, an amendment may be brought forward on Report Stage. However, I note that what is happening here is substantive. I certainly will work with the Minister of State, as will other Senators, to ensure this Bill can be brought in at the earliest date to ensure good workplace practice.

As I stated, it is also about a culture of ensuring pathways are available for employees whose rights are not being upheld and who need an opportunity to appeal or to have their rights upheld. This must be streamlined, must be clear and must not be cumbersome. Moreover, everyone must know what are their rights because when one knows what are one's rights, it is much more difficult for people to violate them. I believe this is what the Minister of State is trying to do in this legislation. I again welcome the Minister of State and thank him for introducing the Bill today in such detail. I was happy to see the Minister of State outline where he intends to bring forward amendments, which takes a little pressure off Members. Obviously, however, they still will be watching.