asked the Minister for the Public Service if in view of the consideration given to restricting overtime by the recent meeting of the European Council, he will indicate if such proposals are under consideration for the public service; and, if so, if he has held any consultations with employee representatives on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Overtime Restriction.
2.
In so far as the public service is concerned, it is standard practice to keep overtime under close scrutiny, and where it is more economical to do so, to deal with expansion in work by way of additional posts rather than overtime.
In relation to the economy as a whole, the Government's commitment to measures designed to increase employment, including the creation of new jobs as an alternative to overtime, has already been indicated in the Green Paper on "Development for Full Employment" and more recently in the Programme for National Development 1979-1981.
As indicated in the Programme for National Development, the Government intend, in consultation with employer and employee interests, to reduce the present statutory limits on adult working hours, with a view to reducing the incidence of systematic overtime working. These measures will affect the public service in common with other sectors of the economy. The necessary consultation will take place as soon as possible.
Is the Minister aware that in many instances recourse to overtime is a necessity, and would he undertake to bear this in mind in any review of the situation?
What the Deputy says may be correct and I am sure that the subject will arise in consultations between employers and employees.