Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the steps he intends to take to tackle the increasing casualisation of the labour market. [41596/12]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Labour market flexibility needs to be complemented by support to workers enabling them to make smooth transitions between different types of labour market status (e.g. activation measures for the unemployed, training for employment, work experience options, transitions towards self-employment, etc.). The quality of transitions will determine the quality of a worker's career and the smooth functioning of the labour market.

Ireland has a comprehensive body of employment rights legislation which has among its objectives the protection of employees and the quality of transitions between different contractual arrangements. Specific areas covered by employment protection legislation include:

- Protection of part-time work

- Protection of fixed-term work

- Protection of temporary work

- Protection of persons engaged by temporary work agencies.

- Working time;

- Payment of Wages;

- Holidays;

- National Minimum Wage;

- Unfair Dismissal;

- Redundancy Payments;

- Protection of Young Persons;

- Transfer of Undertakings.

In general, Irish legislation mirrors the broader EU social protection framework in this area. The increase recorded in the August Live Register in the movement of unemployed persons into casual or part time work does facilitate labour market entry. Opportunities for up-skilling and further career development are essential to advance the inclusive growth objective and to provide individuals with the necessary means to maintain their employability and make transitions work.