Vol. 420 No. 7
54 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Labour if, in light of the fact that establishing a 48 hour work week would, especially with the probable advent of the Single European Market, create a context within which jobs could be created and purchasing power would be increased, he will outline the plans, if any, he has to initiate a 48 hour work week; and if he will provide a timetable for its implementation.
As the Deputy will be aware, the normal working week in Ireland is considerably less than 48 hours. The Framework Agreement on Hours of Work negotiated under the Programme for National Recovery provided for a reduction of working hours by one hour in cases where the normal working week was at or above 40 hours. This agreement has generally been implemented throughout the economy.
Any further reduction in the working week would be a matter for negotiation and agreement between all the interests involved. This issue was discussed in the negotiations on the Programme for Economic and Social Progress but agreement was not reached on the issue. The programme states that the ICTU have indicated that they will, in the event of negotiations for a further agreement, be seeking a general reduction in working time in the context of international developments and the economic and social situation in Ireland.
If the Deputy is referring to a maximum of 48 working hours per week, as proposed under the draft EC Directive on the Organisation of Working Time, I would refer to my reply to Questions Nos. 5 and 24 from Deputies Therese Ahearn and Gilmore. It will be appreciated that the introduction of a statutory maximum working week of 48 hours without exceptions for particular cases could create very substantial practical difficulties in many types of employment. In addition, just as the gap between growth and jobs is not what economic theory suggests it should be, it is not clear that the removal of the working of systematic overtime leads automatically to the creation of further employment — there is much evidence to suggest that the gap is often bridged by new technology and increased productivity.
I would not anticipate moving ahead on this issue purely on a national basis. I feel we should await the outcome of discussions in the draft Directive. Every attempt will be made to reach agreement in the matter on 24 June.
