Vol. 422 No. 5
180 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Labour if he will give details in respect of his Department of (a) the legislation promised in the Oireachtas since 1989 and (b) the legislation introduced to the Oireachtas; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The following is the position as regards legislation promised and introduced in the Oireachtas since 1989:
Payment of Wages Bill
The Payment of Wages Act, 1991 came into operation on 1 January, 1992.
Unfair Dismissals Bill
The Unfair Dismissals (Amendment) Bill, 1992 is at an advanced stage of preparation and it is intended to introduce the Bill in the Oireachtas early in the next session.
Industrial Relations
Industrial Relations Act, 1990 came into operation on 18 July, 1990.
Occupational Safety and Health
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, came into operation on 1 November, 1989 and applies to all employers, employees and self employed.
Worker Protection
The Worker Protection (Regular Part-Time Employees) Act, 1991 was enacted during 1991.
Leave for Adoptive Mothers
The Departments of Labour and Social Welfare are examining the range of complex issues involved in drafting the legislation to provide adoptive leave and adoptive benefit respectively with a view to meeting the Government's commitment to have the legislation introduced later this year.
Employment Equality
It is intended to seek the approval of Government shortly to enable the drafting of a comprehensive Bill on equality legislation. The Bill will replace the Anti-Discrimination (Pay) Act, 1974 and the Employment Equality Act, 1977.
Employment Agency Act, 1971
