asked the Minister for Lands when it is proposed to introduce a five-day week for forestry workers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Five-Day Week for Forestry Workers.
32.
This matter cannot be divorced from the question of working hours for forestry workers on which discussions with the trade unions concerned are pending.
Will the Minister say when some final decision will be reached? The five-day week is common to almost all workers. Surely forestry workers should not be excluded? They are as well entitled to it as county council workers.
This matter is being discussed with the unions. In certain cases, it is not feasible to have a five-day week, particularly in the winter months.
Is the Minister telling us in regard to the talks with the unions on Friday next that the decision has already been taken that it will not be conceded?
No; I said that at certain times of the year, with the number of hours to be worked, it may not be possible to work a five-day week.
Would the Minister not agree it would be better to leave it for the discussions?
The Deputy might pass that on to his colleague behind him.
The Minister should not have given the answer he did.