Vol. 516 No. 5
97 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of public holidays in this country; the way in which this compares to the EU average; if her attention has been drawn to the suggestion by the National Women's Council that an additional paid public holiday should be created to recognise the contribution made by women to the wealth and health of the nation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8000/00]
The Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, sets out the statutory rights for employees in respect of holiday entitlements. The Act provides for the following nine public holidays per year – 1 January, New Year's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, the last Monday in October, Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day. The average public holiday entitlement in the EU at present is approximately 11 days annually.
I am aware of the suggestion by the National Women's Council that an additional paid public holiday should be created to recognise the contribution made by women to the wealth and health of the nation. I recognise and value deeply that great contribution to the economy and quality of life in Ireland and I would welcome, therefore, the designation of a day on which to celebrate and draw attention to that contribution. However, there are no plans at present to create an additional public holiday.
I recall a predecessor of the Minister of State, the former Minister, Michael O'Leary, giving us May Day in October.
Snow came early.
I note the Minister of State is in favour of the recommendation from the National Women's Council that there should be an additional public holiday. We are behind the general European pattern. Although the Minister of State is in favour of it, he is not yet in a position to make an announcement. Does he think he will follow the precedent of the former Minister, Mr. O'Leary, while he remains in office and make this decision?
I noted the interesting debate in the Seanad. All parties recognise the need to designate a day, but it does not necessarily have to be a public holiday. I did not have an opportunity to contribute to the Seanad debate because I was attending a committee meeting. However, if I had a choice between designating a public holiday and introducing policies which are related to equality legislation or gender equality in employment policies, backed up by initiatives to facilitate women's integration in employment, I would choose the latter.
We should be judged on our actions and our deeds in relation to these issues. I make this point as somebody who served for a short time as the Minister of State with responsibility for women's affairs – it was my first ministry. Men have a role to play in that debate. The figures regarding women's participation in the workplace are very impressive now. FÁS and the other agencies are trying to facilitate equality of participation and integration. We should focus on that aspect. The Government's official position, as outlined in the Seanad debate, is that it will consider the matter.
