Gerard Craughwell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I find myself in total agreement with my colleague, Senator Cullinane. I have been involved in workplace relations committees from local branch level through to national level, and the level of ignorance with respect to knowledge of employees' rights is unbelievable. What Senator Cullinane is asking for here, and I look forward to him tabling an amendment on Report Stage, is basic information. He is not looking for a 500-page document hanging on the wall. We are looking for a notice that points to all of the wonderful websites the Minister speaks about with all of the wonderful information.

I ask Senator Cullinane to examine a provision that this basic information would be in the handbook an employee receives when he or she is employed in the first instance. There should be a one-stop page where one can find relevant websites. This is vital information. A number of employees in this country are not aware of the basics of the Working Time Act and are not sure as to when they are entitled to a tea break. These are very simple matters which make work a pleasure. The absence of this information can sometimes turn work into a nightmare. I ask the Minister to work with Senator Cullinane or table his own amendment.