asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state when it is proposed to introduce the Bill for the purpose of regulating the conditions of employment of workers not covered by the Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, or the Shops (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1938.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Conditions of Employment Act.
I am not in a position to state when legislation on the subject-matter of the Deputy's question is likely to be introduced or the extent to which such legislation, if introduced, will cover employment other than that regulated by the Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, or the Shops (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1938. So far as the matter of holidays with pay is concerned, I would refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to his question on the 23rd ultimo.
The Minister is, of course, aware that the year is passing, and if this legislation is not introduced and made operative this year, the workers, who might otherwise stand to gain, will be likely to lose. Could the Minister give me any indication whether it is intended to introduce the legislation this year and to make it operative as from this year, so that the workers may get holidays?
It is intended to introduce the legislation as soon as it can be completed.
And to make it operative this year?
That will depend on when it is completed.
Will the Minister endeavour to introduce and complete the legislation before the House adjourns for the Summer Recess?
I shall endeavour to introduce it as soon as possible.
The Minister said that before. Does he mean by that that it will be introduced and passed into law before the Dáil adjourns for the Summer Recess?
That depends on a number of factors outside my control.