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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Feb 1969

Vol. 238 No. 12

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotel Staff Amenities.

2.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if there is any control over the standard of staff amenities in hotels to which Bord Fáilte grants are given; and, if not, why.

I am informed by Bord Fáilte that the standard of staff amenities is one of the factors taken into account in the registration of hotels, and when considering applications for grant assistance for hotel development. It is the policy of the board to encourage the raising of amenity standards for hotel employees and the board provide grants at the rate of 20 per cent of the cost of staff accommodation.

In general, staff conditions have much improved because among other reasons trained staff demand proper conditions.

Is it a condition of giving the grant that there should be certain minimum standards for staff accommodation in the hotels which receive the grants?

I would not say it was an absolute condition but Bord Fáilte make every effort, in registering the hotels or in selecting extensions to hotels, to take into account the staff accommodation. The registration regulations with regard to hotels will be amended and among the suggested amendments is a specific provision relating to adequate staff accommodation. As the Deputy knows, the provision of training for hotels through CERT has done a great deal to raise the human standards and demands for proper conditions by the people who accept training. The Deputy also knows there are regulations in regard to minimum pay and conditions of employment as a result of a joint committee that operated for the whole of the country with the exception of Dublin county and Dublin County Borough where the regulations are prescribed by the trade union in direct negotiation with the employers. So, we are making progress with this.

Could the Minister say why we have not tackled this serious question up to now or what exactly was the difficulty in making it a condition of public grants to hotels that there would be decent conditions for the staff working in these hotels? Would the Minister agree that it was a serious omission on the part of Bord Fáilte?

I would not. Bord Fáilte's main function is to promote tourism and the extent to which Bord Fáilte can enter into this matter has at all times been somewhat limited. I think part of the responsibility should lie with the Minister for Labour. All I can say is that a general improvement is taking place which I think is satisfactory under the circumstances.

Would the Minister not agree that there is a contradiction between the opulent quarters for foreign guests and tourists in these hotels and, in many cases, the very poor, pigsty conditions for the Irish nationals working in these hotels? I consider it a grave omission on the part of the Minister's Department and Bord Fáilte that they have not dealt with this before now.

I think that is a slander on a very large number of hotels.

It applies in a certain number of places.

(Interruptions.)

The Deputy should be aware that it is extremely difficult to get staff for the hotels in many cases. The staff are in a position to command good conditions.

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