asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Shops Act, 1912, is working very unsatisfactorily in the matter of the weekly half-holiday and if he will inquire into this matter with a view to a better and more satisfactory working of the Act; and if in this connection he will consider the advisability of introducing proposals for legislation to provide for one common day for the half-holiday in all towns in the Irish Free State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Shop Assistants' Half Holiday.
I am not aware that the provisions in the Shops Act, 1912, relating to the weekly half-hoilday are working unsatisfactorily. I have, however, received complaints regarding the working of other provisions of the Act, and the position is at present being examined with a view to consideration of the question of introduction of legislation to control and regulate the hours and conditions of employment of shop assistants. The provisions of the Act relating to the weekly half-holiday will be under review in this examination and the proposal of the Deputy that legislation should provide for one common day for the half-holiday will receive consideration.