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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 23 Jul 1981

Vol. 329 No. 7

Written Answers. - Absenteeism from Work.

27.

asked the Minister for Labour having regard to the high degree of absenteeism from work whether he will consider the introduction of incentives to discourage such absenteeism; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Absenteeism is acknowledged as a problem not only in this country but throughout Europe and North America and in developing countries as well. Experience suggests that the best hope of success in dealing with it lies in management initiatives supported by the trade unions.

The parties to the national pay agreement between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the employer organisations recognise that in some employments the level of absenteeism is a cause of concern. The agreement provides that "in such instances the employers and trade unions involved should seek to agree on arrangements to reduce the level of unnecessary absenteeism". Having identified alcohol consumption as a significant factor in absences from work, the Steering Committee of the Employer Labour Conference is at present considering the establishment of a joint working party to assess the effects of the abuse of alcohol on industry and business. I would hope that, in the light of these discussions and any changes made arising from them, it will be feasible to have other causes of absenteeism discussed in similar fashion, at national level and at the level of the enterprise.

Any proposals jointly made by ICTU and the employer organisations for Government measures to deal with absenteeism will be fully considered.

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