David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 17:

In page 6, to delete lines 23 to 25 and substitute the following:"(3) The national minimum hourly rate of pay declared by order under this section may include—

(a) an allowance in respect of board and lodgings, board only or lodgings only at such rates as are specified in the order,

(b) a prohibition or restriction on charges or deductions,

(c) fair hours of employment rules.".

We had a good discussion on this on Committee Stage and I mentioned it on Second Stage. The amendment is intended to protect vulnerable workers from unscrupulous employers and to try to ensure there is no exploitation of these workers. One could argue we are being overly prescriptive, but sometimes when one is trying to protect workers from exploitation one must be prescriptive. The amendment is self-explanatory in what it says. I will listen to the Minister of State's reply.