David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 4:

In page 12, between lines 8 and 9, to insert the following:

"(g) country money,".

This amendment may seem strange when one sees it written. Essentially the inclusion of country money is consistent with the existing practice within the construction sector. It is a term used to deal with the reality that many construction workers face where they have to travel to their place of employment, for example, the many people who may have to travel from different parts of the country to Dublin to work for large construction firms. That is the reality and costs are incurred by workers while working away from home. Country money and associated costs are different from standard travelling time pay, which is linked to different journeys on a daily basis, for example, provision for one hour travelling time, beyond four miles of a worker's workplace or fixed location. Construction workers often have to travel to a job for a period of days, weeks or longer and the existing practice of country money provides for this. We understand there is no opposition from contractors for the inclusion of such a provision. If the contractors are not opposed to it and the unions involved are supportive, it would strengthen the Bill if included and the amendment was accepted.