Vol. 489 No. 2
36 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will consider introducing legislation on fixed term contract employment in view of the recent discussions by CEEP, UNICE and the ETUC at EU level. [7695/98]
As I am sure the Deputy will appreciate, my Department has no involvement in negotiations between the social partners at EU level.
However, I understand that — in the context of the Agreement on Social Policy annexed to the Treaty on European Union — consultations between the social partners commenced on 23 March 1998 with a view to negotiating an agreement on fixed term employment contracts. Meetings on this issue will continue in the months ahead.
In the event of the negotiations between the social partners leading to an agreement, such agreement may be implemented at Community level, at the joint request of the signatory parties, by a Council decision on a proposal from the Commission.
The possible introduction of legislation in this country on this matter will be considered in the light of developments at that stage.
