asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the dissatisfaction amongst workers and employers which has arisen out of the issue of instructions by his Department to factory managements in the Saorstát under Section 35 (1) (b) of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, to the effect that as St. Patrick's Day falls this year on Sunday two of the days Good Friday, Easter Monday or Easter Tuesday must be observed as holidays; and if, in view of the hardship which compliance with these instructions will inflict on the workers and the serious loss of output entailed in large factories particularly in the City of Dublin, the Minister will by virtue of the powers conferred on him by the Factory and Workshop Acts take steps to have the instruction complained of by workers and employers alike withdrawn.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compulsory Easter Holidays.
My attention has been drawn to certain dissatisfaction arising out of the enforcement of Section 35 (1) (b) of the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, in relation to the statutory holidays that must be given to women and young persons under that Act. I am not vested with any discretionary powers that would enable me to cancel the statutory notices that have already been issued, but I will keep the matter in mind in connection with amending legislation which is at present in course of preparation.