Vol. 528 No. 2
92 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the new legislation governing part-time workers will be published; if she will summarise the main heads of the proposed Bill; if it will address the pension entitlements of people who are long-term part-time workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30088/00]
A final version of the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Bill, 2000, was received from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government on 6 December 2000. The Bill was circulated to Government Departments for observations prior to submission to Government and publication. In this connection it is proposed to publish the Bill on 15 December 2000, before the Christmas recess.
I should also point out that Cabinet procedure instructions prevent me from revealing the heads of the Bill prior to Government approval to publish the Bill. The Bill as drafted provides that a part-time employee cannot be treated less favourably than a full-time employee in relation to pensions, based on his or her part-time status.
