A bill to give employees the right to refuse Sunday work is to be debated in the Dail today. It is being proposed by the Labour TD for Dublin North East, Mr Tommy Broughan, during private members' time.
The Protection of Workers (Shops) Bill proposes making Sunday work optional. It also proposes that anyone working Sundays should be paid at least time-and-a-half.
The Bill is similar to one the current Minister of State for Labour Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, proposed last year. However, Mr Kitt is now seeking a voluntary agreement between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the employers' body, the Irish Business and Employers' Confederation.
He says such an agreement is preferable to legislation.