Zero-hour contracts
Micheál Martin raised insecure and low-hour contracts and the need to end casualisation of work. The Taoiseach said the issue was in the programme for Government and would be progressed through the Minister.
The programme for Government commits to ending the casualisation of the workforce. I have raised with the Taoiseach the need for greater protection for employees on insecure and low-hour contracts. Many people on zero-hour contracts go from week to week not knowing what they are going to earn or when they are required to work. They are waiting at home for a phone call and have insecure employment conditions. Such workers are predominantly women and are treated very unfairly. Employer flexibility is important, but in some instances the degree to which workers' rights are undermined and violated is unacceptable. It is a key commitment in the confidence and supply agreement, and it is in the programme for Government as well. I would appreciate it if the Taoiseach could give me an update on when the Government intends to legislate for it.