Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Feb 2003

Vol. 561 No. 4

Written Answers. - Employment Conditions.

Jack Wall

Question:

130 Mr. Wall asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the findings of a recent survey by the European Foundation for Living and Working conditions, showing that Irish workers had the lowest level of holidays and worked longer hours than workers in other EU countries; her plans to increase the statutory annual holidays or public holidays or to reduce the working week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4433/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. Fahey):

I am aware of the survey to which the Deputy refers. The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which implemented EU Council Directive 93/104/EC of 23 November 1993 concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time, provides for an annual leave entitlement of four working weeks per annum for full-time employees and pro rata entitlements for part-time employees as well as an average hourly working week of 48 hours averaged generally over a four month period. The Act also provides for an entitlement to nine public holidays per annum. Notwithstanding these provisions, it is possible for employers and employees to negotiate a longer annual leave entitlement or a lower hourly working week between themselves if they so wish.

I have no plans to increase the statutory minimum annual leave or public holiday entitlement or to lower the threshold on weekly working hours provided for in the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.