THE House passed the final stages of the National Standards Authority of Ireland Bill. It will establish the authority on a legally independent basis in accordance with an EU requirement that the authority have an independent structure "which is seen to be independent of all other client agencies", the Minister of State, Mr Pat Rabbitte, said.
He hoped that amendments passed during the Dail debate - would assuage the fears of staff by allowing for negotiation of their position under the new authority.
The Fianna Fail deputy leader, Ms M O'Rourke, said she was concerned about the position of staff and regretted that the Bill had not given them permanent positions, but it had been improved during the debate.
Ms Helen Keogh (PD, Dun Laoghaire) said the authority should not go over entirely to contract work under the new regime.
