asked the Minister for Labour if he has examined the amended EEC Commission document dated 31st October 1974 in connection with the amended recommendation for a 40-hour week and four weeks' paid leave to which Article 149 of the EEC Treaty refers; and if he will indicate the manner in which this amended recommendation will apply to agricultural workers in the State.
Written Answers. - Working Week Recommendation.
200.
I have examined the document in question. This proposal by the Commission, if adopted by the Council, would recommend that member states take the necessary steps to ensure by national legislation or, where approprivate, by collective agreements, the implementation by 31st December, 1975 of the principle that the normal working week should not exceed 40 hours and by 31st December, 1976 of the principle of a minimum annual paid holiday of four weeks.
The draft recommendation, as at present worded, would apply to "all sectors and throughout the Community" and this would necessitate detailed consideration and consultation by the various interests concerned in the matter of its implementation.