Michael Moynihan
Question:53 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Labour if he will commission a study of the costs and benefits of a further reduction in the working week to 38 hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Working Week Reduction.
In accordance with the framework agreement on hours of work concluded early last year negotiations are taking place at local level on arrangements for the implementation of a one hour per week reduction in working hours in cases where the normal working week is at or above 40 hours. It is the intention that the reduction should be implemented before the expiry of the Programme for National Recovery at the end of the year.
Certain criteria have been outlined in the agreement which are to be taken into account in the local negotiations so as to minimise any adverse effects on costs and employment.
Agreement on the arrangements for the implementation of the one hour reduction have now been councluded in a wide range of employments. Any move towards making a further reduction in the working week would be a matter for negotiation and agreement between all the interests involved. In view of the fact that the 39 hour week remains to be negotiated in a majority of employments, I believe the question of a 38 hour week does not arise at this stage.
I have no plans to commission any study along the lines suggested by the Deputy. Costs in any case would be primarily a matter for individual companies and employments.