I consider that the question of flexibility in hours of employment is a matter primarily for negotiation between employers and employees or their representatives.
I should mention, however, that the Second Commission on the Status of Women has made a number of recommendations on measures to increase flexibility in working life. The Deputy will be aware that I have set up a working group to advise and assist in implementing those recommendations which come within the responsibility of the Department of Enterprise and Employment. When I have received the report of the working group, I will be guided by their views as to how any recommendations on flexible working which come within the scope of the Department of Enterprise and Employment might best be implemented.
It is also relevant to mention that the question of re-organisation of working-time arrangements will be considered in the course of the review of work-sharing which is being commissioned by my Department arising from a commitment in the Programme for Government. It is envisaged that this review will be completed in the late autumn.