asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will take steps to introduce legislation covering reasonable minimum wages and conditions of employment for domestic servants.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages and Conditions of Domestic Servants.
30.
Provision is already made in existing legislation for the fixing of minimum wages and conditions of employment of any class of workers by the establishment of Joint Labour Committees under the Industrial Relations Act, 1946.
I have, however, no evidence to show that there is any widespread demand for statutory regulation of the working conditions of domestic servants. Even if such a demand existed the matter would present serious practical difficulties. Furthermore, statutory control of the type envisaged in the question, in respect of the employment of persons in private houses, might well, in fact, lead to a reduction in employment opportunities.
The Deputy will be aware that the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1961, confers on domestic workers an entitlement to two weeks' holidays annually with pay.
There are no conditions laid down anywhere for this type of worker. Is that not right?
That is right.
If Governments have found it necessary to do it in respect of another section of workers who were abused at one stage, agricultural workers, surely the Minister could at least give consideration to similar legislation for domestic workers?
Provision is already made in existing legislation but, as I say, there is no clear demand. If I found any clear demand for such regulations, I would give it serious consideration.
What about granting them a five-day week?
The Minister speaks about a joint industrial council but I think he will see immediately that is hardly possible with regard to these workers.
The question is subject to the fact that there is no obvious widespread demand for this type of regulation and it could be very difficult to operate.
We represent a certain number of people and I am asking the Minister for it. I know domestic servants are not knocking at his door.
The scarcity of domestic servants makes it likely that conditions are improving.