David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister or his Department were to undertake research on workers' awareness of their rights and employment rights bodies, they would be astounded to find that, as Senator Craughwell stated, many do not know. As with anything else, unless one needs something, one does not give it much thought. The Minister mentioned NERA. If he were to survey workers in any factory, I wonder how many would know what it was or what website or section on employment rights to visit. I challenge the Department to do that.

There used to be a number of routes, for example, the Labour Relations Commission and the rights commissioners. Now, the Government is simplifying the process through this body. It might make matters easier, but the Minister is missing the point entirely. Many employees do not have the confidence to ask an employer for information. It is not always an equal relationship. If someone who is in a vulnerable position wants to challenge an employer on a matter, he or she will not ask the employer for that information. The employer may be legally obliged to give it, but that does not mean that the person should be forced to ask the employer.

This amendment seeks to have provided basic information that sets out a map in simple terms of the route people should take if they have complaints. It would simplify the workplace relations service's process. Basic information should be made available in a prominent place in the workplace. If an employee needs to access that service, he or she could do so without having to ask an employer, a local politician, a solicitor or Google for information on employees' rights.

The Minister is exaggerating the intent of the amendment and overestimating the knowledge that many workers have of their entitlements and the various employment rights bodies. The Minister and I might be aware of them, but that does not necessarily mean that a worker on a factory floor, in a supermarket or in a job where many such workplace disputes arise is as aware, comfortable or knowledgeable in that respect.

This is the purpose of my amendment. I will withdraw it, but the Minister should consider the wording and revert with a different amendment on Report Stage. I hope that he will be in a position to reconsider the matter in light of the amendment's intention rather than his interpretation of same.