asked the Minister for the Environment to what extent, and where, have flexi-hours been introduced in local authorities offices; and where and when further progress will be made on the introduction of flexi-hours.
Written Answers. - Flexi-Hours.
362.
Hours of duty are determined locally by each local authority. The question of introducing any new arrangements in relation to working hours such as flexible hours is, therefore, a matter for settlement locally by the local authorities. There are no returns in my Department to indicate the extent to which local authorities have introduced, or plan to introduce, flexi-hours.
From inquiries made from Dublin Corporation, Dublin County Council and Cork County Council, the position in these local authorities is as follows: Following discussions with the Local Government and Public Services Union, Dublin Corporation propose early in 1979 to introduce flexible working hours for a trial period of three months in one of their Departments. The position will be reviewed by Dublin Corporation at the end of the trial period. Dublin County Council will also be keeping the position under review in the light of experience gained in Dublin Corporation. A limited form of flexi-hours has been in operation in Cork County Council for some time past but there are no plans at present to extend the current arrangements. It is unlikely that flexi-hours are planned or in operation in more than a very few local authorities at present.