The Protection of Employees (Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 transposes the EU Temporary Agency Work Directive into Irish law, ensuring that agency workers enjoy equal treatment with directly employed staff. This Act mandates that temporary agency workers receive the same essential pay and working conditions from their very first day of assignment, thereby reinforcing labour market fairness.

Key protections extend to pay, working hours, rest breaks, annual leave, public holidays, and access to collective facilities. The Act outlines the obligations of both employment agencies and hirers, promoting transparency and shared responsibility. With limited exemptions and anti-avoidance measures in place, the Workplace Relations Commission is tasked with overseeing compliance. This legislation significantly enhances the legal framework for agency workers, thereby safeguarding against discrimination across all sectors.