Niall Collins (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 276: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on introducing a requirement for agency workers to be given a minimum notice period of one week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17236/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Irish employment law applies to all workers including agency workers.

Accordingly, I understand that agency workers who enter into or work under a contract of employment can, under the terms of the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts 1973 to 2005, qualify for minimum notice in respect of termination of employment. Its application will depend on individual circumstances. Given the changing nature of employment structures and relationships in which, for example, the term "agency worker" could cover a range of situations in practice it is difficult to be precise and each case depends on its own facts. Workers posted to Ireland from abroad — including agency workers — do, of course, have the benefit of the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Acts by virtue of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time work) Act 2001.

I am not aware of any problems arising in this area, generally. However, if the Deputy has any specific cases that he would like to bring to my attention, I would be happy to have them considered.