asked the Minister for Labour if four weeks or more annual holidays have become the norm in most employments; if he intends to amend the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973, to provide a minimum of four weeks' annual holidays to all employees; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973.
17.
Under the first and second national understandings of 1979 and 1980, provision was made for the negotiation of annual leave entitlements of up to 19 days. Such entitlements would have been negotiated in most employments and in some cases additional entitlements would have been negotiated more recently. In view of this, four weeks' annual leave would be fairly widespread in employment at the moment.
When the review of the Act takes place, the question of increasing the statutory minimum entitlement will, of course, be considered. I had hoped to have such a review completed early in 1986, but this has not been feasible given the resources available to my Department for legislative work and the priority I am giving to more substantive legislation relating to areas such as occupational safety, offshore oil, employment equality and worker participation. I propose that the review of the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973, should now be undertaken when work is completed on some of the legislative items at present on hands. I hope the review can be commenced before the end of the present year.
How many surveys have been made by the Minister's Department to see if 20 days are the norm? Could he give an assurance that 20 days are available to all grades in the public service?
I do not have information on whether surveys have been carried out in relation to this matter. Most State employees are excluded from the provisions of the Act because, generally, they have more liberal entitlements. From staff officer up to secretary, the range is from 21 to 31 days per year and from clerical officers downwards to cleaners, the range is from 18 to 19 days.
I take it the Government are standing over the commitment given in the national understanding of the late seventies that 20 days will be the norm when the Act is reviewed? Lower paid people are not getting 20 days leave; they usually work in sectors of industry which are non-unionised and they deserve 20 days. The fact that the Act will not be reviewed in the life of this Dáil is taking a week's holiday from the people who deserve it most.
The Deputy is aware of the reasons for the review not having taken place——
I am aware of them but I do not accept them.
There will be more substantive legislation in the future and I hope the review will be carried out before the end of the year. I will communicate the Deputy's views to the Minister.
I do not accept the Minister's remarks in regard to legislation because over the past three years——
That is not a question.
Only two Bills have been brought forward and we have not heard about any other legislation.