Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Amendments Nos. 22 and 23 are alternatives to previously submitted amendments on Committee Stage which sought to change the age when a flexible work arrangement due to disability of a child would end from 18 years to 16 years. This comes back to the issue of complexity of family life. In some places this legislation restricts employers and employees from being able to make mutually beneficial decisions with regard working arrangements. On Committee Stage, the Minister cited the directive requirements of amendment No. 16 being stipulated. However, we need to be clear that what the directive proposes is the floor of our ambition not the ceiling. We can be ambitious in our transposition. We know the directive is not a reason to not accept this amendment. Why will the Minister not accept our proposals?