asked the Minister for Labour if he accepts the findings of a recent survey carried out by eight teachers relating to the exploitation of children in part-time jobs in two Irish towns; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Child Employment.
10.
I have studied the report of the survey group relating to the working conditions of school going children in part-time employment in two Irish towns. The information in the report makes a useful contribution to the information which is already available in relation to this area of employment. As Deputies will be aware, various aspects of the employment of young persons, such as the minimum age for employment, hours of work, rest periods and restrictions on night work, are included in the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Bill, 1974.
The Bill is at present in its passage through the Seanad and my intention is to have it enacted as early as possible. The Bill when it becomes law will ensure that young people cannot be employed for excessively long hours and that there will be no employment of children under 14 years of age.
In regard to wages, I have already indicated my intention of expanding the Joint Labour Committee system to take account of areas of employment in which particularly low levels of wages are being paid.
As the Minister admits the situation is serious would he not think of having a more widespread survey carried out with this information in mind?
I hope on the passage of the Bill through the Seanad that the requirements in it whereby employers will maintain records, will assist us towards getting information in an area where there is a great lack of it. I imagine those details, coupled with the activities of the inspectorate, will quickly fill in the gaps in our knowledge of the level of exploitation of young people which exists at present.
Does the Minister think the passage of the Bill will be sufficient to eliminate the abuses which came to light through the survey?
The Bill does not deal with salaries or payments made, which is a matter for JLC work, which I am extending.
Under the EEC regulations governing the free movement of workers an employer in any firms operating abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter.