asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the plans, or proposals, if any, he has to reduce absenteeism in Irish industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Absenteeism in Industry.
68.
Absenteeism in industry is essentially a management problem and can best be tackled at the level of the individual firm. It is not a matter in which I, as Minister, can have a direct function. The Irish Productivity Centre, in 1986, initiated an absenteeism control programme to promote measures to reduce absenteeism including the installation by employers of standard measurement and control procedures and the creation of a general awareness in both management and workers alike of the social and economic effects of absenteeism.
In addition, in order to impress on firms the importance of absenteeism controls, State agencies such as the IDA and SFADCo., require firms seeking grant assistance to provide information on absenteeism levels and control procedures and these factors are taken into account when requests for grants are being considered. In the light of these activities, I see no need at this stage for further initiatives on my part.