Vol. 426 No. 6
90 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if he will give details of research which has been carried out in connection with absenteeism from the workplace due to alcohol related problems; if he will support research in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Absenteeism, be it due to alcohol related problems or other factors, is a cause of concern because of its detrimental effects in terms of increased costs and reduced productivity and competitiveness. The control of absenteeism is an essential element in managing an enterprise and is the primary responsibility of the management at each workplace. Enterprises which have adopted specific counselling and control policies and kept necessary records have been successful in reducing the problem. I would encourage all enterprises to consider undertaking similar strategies.
There have been a number of studies and reports on absenteeism and these are outlined in the following table. The Irish Business and Employers Confederation is currently undertaking a major survey involving 1,200 of its member companies in an attempt to quantify the level of absenteeism generally. I believe that this survey should provide very useful and comprehensive information covering manufacturing industry, business and the services sector. An interim report was published in November 1992. I understand that it is intended to publish the final report later this year.
Studies and Reports on Absenteeism
|
1975 |
Absenteeism in Irish Industry |
IPC reseach |
|
C. O'Muircheartaigh |
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|
1977 |
Absenteeism in Ireland |
Paper read at IPM Conference |
|
—A Short Study (CMO Aer Lingus) |
||
|
1980 |
Absenteeism Conference (FUE) |
FUE study |
|
1981 |
Preventing Absenteeism |
Booklet aimed at prevention |
|
B. Kelly (IPC) |
||
|
1982 |
Short-term Absenteeism |
Departmental Working Group |
|
1984 |
Survey of Employee/Industrial Relations in Irish Private Sector Manufacturing Industry (IDA) |
IDA-sponsored research |
|
1984 |
Report of Ministerial Task Force on Absenteeism in Industry |
Department of Industry and Commerce |
|
1986 |
Report to the Steering Committee Employer-Labour Conference |
ELC Report |
|
1986 |
Absenteeism in the Public Service |
Commissioned by Department of the Public Service |
|
E. Blennerhasset and P. Gorman (IPA) |
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|
1986 |
Absenteeism: the missing facts |
Report of IMI-funded Absenteeism Control Programme |
|
G. Redmond (IMI) |
