Derek McDowell
Question:114 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures which have been put in place to ensure that young persons work only the statutory minimum number of hours. [10073/01]
Vol. 534 No. 1
114 Mr. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures which have been put in place to ensure that young persons work only the statutory minimum number of hours. [10073/01]
The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, was introduced for the primary purpose of safeguarding the welfare of young workers healthwise, safetywise and educationwise. My Department's policy is to enforce the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996, in a proactive manner as a response to the inherent need itself and public-political expectations and demands.
When the Act came into operation, details of the legislation were sent to all post-primary schools, relevant trade unions and employer bodies, the main supermarket chains, petrol stations, hotels, restaurants and vintners associations, fast food chains and youth organisations. Last year those details were also sent to third level institutions as well as education officers in the relevant student unions. It is part of the business plan of my enforcement section for 2001 to again make contact with all post-primary schools.
The Act sets limits for the employment of children, that is persons under 16 years of age, and young persons, that is 16 and 17 year olds. It also sets rest intervals and maximum working hours and prohibits the employment of people under 18 years to do late night work. Employers must keep specified records of their workers who are under 18 years as well as displaying prominently a poster summarising the main rules on employing such young people. This poster is available on request from the employment rights information unit of my department.