Vol. 458 No. 1
81 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the date discussions with the Department of Finance regarding the situation of part-time workers at the new Haughton Hospital, New Ross, County Wexford, were initiated; the progress date; the likely outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16593/95]
As the Deputy is aware, the issue of concern to the part-time workers employed at the hospital in question relates to changes in the conditions governing entitlement to unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance which were introduced in January 1993 in the light of the extension of full social insurance cover to part-time workers.
Following my meeting with representatives of SIPTU last April, I undertook to have the situation of the workers in question examined with particular reference to the commitment in the programme, A Government of Renewal, to take steps to eliminate or remove any administrative, tax or welfare obstacles to job sharing, voluntary part-time working, flexible working of a seasonal or temporary character or career breaks and education leave. Examination of the issues involved was begun soon afterwards between my Department and the Department of Finance and this examination is not yet complete. I will let the Deputy know the outcome in due course.
