asked the Minister for Labour the regulations which exist in connection with night duty, particularly regarding the maximum number of hours which an employee, that is, in the nursing service, prison service or any similar type night service, may work.
Written Answers. - Night Duty Regulations.
364.
The Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, the Night Work (Bakeries) Act, 1936 and the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977, all contain provisions relating to night work.
The Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, which applies to industrial work, deals with shift work and restrictions on night work by women and young persons. The Night Work (Bakeries) Act, 1936, restricts employment in bakeries at night. The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1977, which applies to employment generally, restricts the employment at night of young persons under 18 years of age.
There are no statutory provisions administered by my Department which relate specifically to employment on night work of persons in the prison or nursing services.
365.
asked the Minister for Labour the proposals, if any, that exist, or are likely to exist in the near future, arising out of EEC directives, which would tend to curb or restrict the number of hours presently being worked by people on night duty or night shift in this country.
There are at present no EEC directives or formal proposals for such directives on night duty or night shift work.
The Commission have been examining the question of night work and have had discussions in the matter with representatives of employers and trade unions. It is not known at this stage whether the Commission will make formal proposals in the matter and what the nature of any such proposals may be.
The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions are studying the nature and consequences of shift work in the member states of the Community.