Lynn Ruane (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. The House will be aware that I did not reintroduce any of the amendments I proposed on Committee Stage. This is because I completely agree that the Government amendments meet the requirements we sought to have applied on Committee Stage. When I met the Minister of State, her officials and Mr. Patrick King I was confident that a large body of work had been done on this. The Bill is now in a much stronger place for all involved, especially employees. I am aware that we are waiting for the employers to indicate whether they will sign up to an agreement. However, we have it on the record today that if they do not sign up to the agreement, it will expose them to questions as to why they would not sign up to standards for employees. Moreover, the fact that they could not secure the international education mark without complying with employment standards will, I hope, push out of the market those whose sole purpose is to make a profit from people. I hope the legislation will serve to enhance those schools that are good employers and willing to raise standards. The amendments have the power and force to achieve that. I thank the Minister of State, her officials and Mr. Patrick King. I look forward to hearing how this unfolds with the employers in the coming months.