We had an interesting discussion yesterday on Second Stage and when I came to reply some time after 1.15 p.m. I did not close my contribution. I want to take the opportunity to do so this morning. I understand I have about five minutes in which to reply to yesterday's debate. Obviously, it would be difficult to answer all the questions and reply to the points raised on both sides of the House and I shall not attempt to do so now. I hope to have a better opportunity to do so on Committee Stage.
One of the provisions I shall be introducing on Committee Stage is a provision similar to that included in the Anti-Discrimination (Unfair Dismissals) Bill, 1976 now before the House at Committee Stage. One of the features of that Bill is that a person who proves unfair dismissal may opt for either compensation or the retaining of his or her job. I propose to make a similar provision in this Bill in the case of the dismissal of a person who pursues a claim for equal treatment. I propose to give such a person the same option as in the other legislation.
