asked the Minister for Finance (a) whether he is aware (i) that park constables attached to the Phoenix Park are compelled to be on duty from 9.30 a.m. to 8 p.m., or until dark, all the year round; (ii) that these hours work out at an average of eight hours in winter and 11 hours during the summer for six days per week; and (iii) that, notwithstanding the length of these hours of duty, these men are frequently called on to do extra duty without compensation; and (b) whether he proposes to take immediate steps to improve substantially their conditions of employment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Park Staffs.
asked the Minister for Finance (i) whether he is aware that relief gatekeepers at the Phoenix Park are compelled to do ten hours' continuous duty without a recognised break for meals except in so far as the generosity of the resident gatekeeper will allow it; and (ii) if he will state what his proposals are for an early remedy to this unsatisfactory state of affairs.
asked the Minister for Finance (a) whether he is aware (i) that at seven of the nine gates of Phoenix Park and at the two gates of the War Memorial Park the resident gatekeepers are required to be on constant duty for 17 hours per day during nine months of the year and for 16 hours per day during the remaining three months; (ii) that at the other two gates the resident gatekeeper's hours of duty extend over a period of from ten to 13 hours per day; and (iii) that night gatekeepers' duty amounts to ten hours per night on six nights per week; and (b) if, in view of this, he proposes to take immediate steps to abolish these very severe conditions of work.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle I propose to answer Questions Nos. 74, 75 and 76 together. The hours of duty of park constables, gatekeepers and relief gatekeepers at the Phoenix Park are approximately as stated in the questions, save that the constables are not, as stated, frequently called on to do extra duty without compensation. A special and detailed examination has been made of the question of the hours of duty and in this connection the nature of the duties themselves is an important factor. The duties of the constables and gatekeepers are of a patrol or watching character, necessarily involving unusual hours which are governed by the hours of opening and closing of the park. The duties of both classes are comparatively light and involve practically no physical labour or exertion. The gates which the resident gatekeepers have to attend are all adjacent to their lodges. The conditions of employment of these men as regards hours of duty are on the basis generally accepted for employment of the character in question and it is not practicable to make any concession as regards the hours.