asked the Minister for Labour if, following his recent statement that 4,500 new jobs have materialised in the catering industry per annum between the years 1984 and 1988, he will give details of where exactly these jobs were filled; and if he will give details of the rates of commencement pay.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Catering Industry Jobs.
6.
The updated Manpower survey of the Irish Hotel and Catering Industry recently published by CERT shows that in the years 1984 to 1988 the number employed in this industry increased by over a net 19,000 when job losses have been taken into account.
Growth in job numbers in the various sectors of the industry is shown in the tabular statement which is being circulated in the Official Report.
The statutory minimum rates of pay applicable to the hotel and catering sectors in certain areas are laid down in Employment Regulation Orders. Rates of pay in areas not covered by the Joint Labour Committees are subject to negotiation between workers, trade unions and employers.
CERT have no function in determining the level of remuneration, for the industry.
Estimated Numbers Employed in Hotel and Catering Industry.
|
Sector |
1984 |
1988 |
Difference |
|
1. Hotels and Guesthouses |
24,698 |
27,116 |
+2,418 |
|
2. Restaurants |
7,511 |
10,570 |
+3,059 |
|
3. Popular Catering |
5,809 |
16,438 |
+10,629 |
|
4. Ethnic Restaurants |
1,329 |
1,690 |
+361 |
|
5. Industrial Catering |
3,345 |
2,816 |
-529 |
|
6. Carriers |
1,339 |
1,872 |
+533 |
|
7. Hospitals |
11,893 |
9,608 |
-2,285 |
|
8. Institutional Catering |
2,555 |
2,803 |
+248 |
|
9. *Licensed Premises (Bar Food) |
1,705 |
5,786 |
+4,081 |
|
10. Delicatessens and Take-Aways |
1,598 |
2,399 |
+801 |
|
11. Sports and Social Clubs |
884 |
825 |
-59 |
|
Sub Total |
62,666 |
81,923 |
+19,257 |
|
Licensed Premises excluding 9 above |
N.A. |
25,151 |
|
|
Total |
62,666 |
107,074 |
+19,257 |
* In 1984 only Bar Food outlets were surveyed. In 1988 the survey covered both staff involved in the service of drink and in the service-preparation of food in Licensed Premises. The estimate of the total number employed is 30,937. For comparison purpose the figure shown for 1988 of 5,786 only relates to those employed only in Bar Food Services.
The recent statement of the Minister to which I referred in my question was made on 30 March of this year at the East Wall Training Centre. The Minister also stated that there was a shortfall of skilled people in the hotel industry. Would he agree that this shortfall is largely due to the fact that the contribution due from the hotel industry has not been matched? The target figure was £500,000. Could the Minister tell the House if this £500,000 has been paid through CERT by the hotel industry?
I do not have the exact figure in my notes but yes, they have paid.
In full?
I do not think it is actually £500,000 but it is not too far off it. What I said in the East Wall Training Centre is, unfortunately, true and I have asked the Council of CERT to look at what means they have of increasing their training throughput for the remainder of this year and into next year. Unfortunately, the people leaving the RTCs and colleges well qualified are still emigrating although there are jobs for them in the country. This is creating difficulties for the hotel industry. Something like 20 per cent of the hotels and guesthouses are short of numbers.
We must now proceed to other questions.
That is because of tax and the Minister is doing nothing about it.
Question No. 7 please.
I would love to answer that but I do not think 19 year olds and 20 year olds are afraid of the tax system because they have never paid tax. I think they want experience.
I have pleaded with the Minister to do something about it.
I would like to do something about it.