asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the dissatisfaction expressed by local bodies concerning the alleged exploitation of hotel trainees; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel Trainees.
11.
I am aware that some dissatisfaction has been expressed. My functions relating to the conditions of employment of hotel workers, including trainees, are limited to the provisions of the Shops (Conditions of Employment) Acts and the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939. The Shops (Conditions of Employment) Act, 1938, originally applied to hotel workers everywhere but, in 1942, following representations that, in areas outside of Dublin, the seasonal nature of the hotel trade created serious difficulties in meeting the requirements of the Act hotels outside of Dublin were excluded from the scope of the Act.
I am always prepared to arrange for the investigation of specific complaints about infringements of these enactments or to consider any other representations which may be made to me in the matter.