asked the Minister for Labour the progress which has been made in talks with the social partners regarding the possibility of a reduction in the average number of hours worked each week; if a target figure has been set for the reduction; if a date has been set for a reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reduction in Working Hours.
10.
The agreements on pay negotiated in conjunction with the Programme for National Recovery provided that in October 1988 discussions would take place at national level between the Government, the FUE, the CIF and the ICTU on a general framework to allow for the implementation of a one hour per week reduction in working hours over the three year period of the national programme in cases where the normal working week is at or above 40 hours.
A number of meetings of a committee made up of representatives of the Government, the FUE, the CIF and the ICTU have been held. It is not possible at this stage to say when discussions will be completed.
Could the Minister indicate if a target date has been fixed before which a decision will have to be made? I am sure the Minister is aware that a number of European countries is now below the normal working week of 40 hours, some of them as low as 37 hours and some attempting to reach 35 hours by 1991.
I understand two meetings were held last week but as yet there has been no agreement. The employers, the Government and the union representatives have indicated a commitment to the principle of a reduction of hours, but they have not yet finalised the discussions.
Surely at the end of the day, this is a matter for legislation. Would the Minister not agree that a target date should be set? This matter has been of concern to workers and their representative organisations for many years and it is now time for decision making.
I am not certain this is a matter for legislation. As set out in the agreement, this has to be concluded and implemented within the three year programme. The committee met on 23 and 30 November and another meeting is arranged for next week. Discussions started a month ago on the framework to allow for the implementation of a one hour per week reduction in working hours and it has to be agreed and implemented within the three year period.