Vol. 504 No. 2
95 Mr. Bradford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the recent statements by the trade union movement and the employers representatives on the question of remuneration for employees who work on 31 December 1999. [11271/99]
The date 31 December 1999 has been declared a public holiday in recognition of the uniqueness of the occasion in all of our lifetimes. There are, however, sectors where it may be necessary for employees to attend work on 31 December.
It is recognised that in certain industrial sectors, such as the hotel and catering sector and the information technology and related sectors, there will be a requirement for a large number of employees to be present at their places of work on this special day. In the public sector, indications from the gardaí and the health services and others engaged in essential services, are that the occasion will result in increased labour requirements for the millennium weekend.
Special arrangements for occasions such as the New Year's Eve holiday are in the normal course of industrial relations, matters to be addressed through negotiation between employers and employees involved, or their representatives.
Workers do, of course, have minimum statutory rights and entitlements under the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, in relation to work on public holidays and these must be fully respected. It is of particular importance in relation to the occasion in question, that attention should be paid to such matters as maximum hours of work, hours of rest, and night work. Furthermore, the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996 prohibits the employment of 16-17 year olds beyond 10 p.m. as a matter of health and safety.
I am aware of statements from both the employers organisations and trade unions on the matter of remuneration for work on the 31 December 1999. To the extent that there are claims for arrangements beyond the minima, I would see these as matters for negotiation between the parties themselves. I would urge all concerned to work together in ensuring that 31 December will be a good occasion for everybody.
