Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 168: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the legislative measures she plans to introduce arising from the new social partnership agreement; the proposed timetable for each such piece of legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30952/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the draft Transitional Agreement reached between Government and the Social Partners on a successor to the first module of Towards 2016. The draft Agreement will now be considered by the parties with a view to ratification and it is my hope that the Agreement will be ratified by all sides.

The draft Agreement provides for a number of commitments, including through legislation proposals, aimed at strengthening protections for employment standards, while also ensuring that Ireland continues to provide an excellent environment for business and job creation. These commitments are being examined within my Department to determine the optimum legislative approach and timeframe for delivery of the policy objectives in the draft Agreement.

For my part, and without seeking to pre-empt in any way the ratification process, I look forward to working with the Social Partners and my Ministerial colleagues in making speedy progress on the commitments entered into under this Agreement, including those requiring legislative enactment. It is difficult to be specific about timetables for legislation as this is primarily a matter for the House and for the Seanad. However, the Deputy may be assured that no effort will be spared to meet the commitments in the Transitional Agreement.