Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 3 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 3

Written Answers - Term Time Scheme.

Ivan Yates

Question:

70 Mr. Yates asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she proposes to take to encourage the concept of term time allowing workers periods of unpaid leave during the summer months; and if she will make a statement on the progress in this regard. [12411/01]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

Term time working is one of a number of family friendly working arrangements which allow parents to reconcile their family and work responsibilities. In order to support and facilitate family friendly policies in the workplace, the National Framework Committee for the Development of Family Friendly Policies at the Level of the Enterprise was established under the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The committee comprises representatives of ICTU, IBEC, public sector employers, the Equality Authority, a number of Departments and is chaired by my Department.

The national framework committee has already undertaken a number of initiatives to raise awareness and provide information on family friendly working arrangements, including term time working. The first family friendly workplace day was held on 1 March and the interactive website www.familyfriendly.ie was launched. An information brochure entitled An Introduction to Family Friendly Working Arrangements was produced on behalf of the national framework committee and is available from the Equality Authority.

The Government as an employer is committed to family friendly working arrangements. The Government views the introduction of the term time scheme throughout the civil service as an important addition to the range of family friendly working arrangements currently available in the Civil Service. Term time leave will be available throughout the Civil Service from 2001 onwards, having previously been available on a pilot basis in a limited number of Departments and offices. The operation of the scheme is subject to the operating requirements of Departments not being adversely affected.

As stated in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness, the development of appropriate measures to assist in reconciling work and family life is important to underpinning economic, social and equality objectives. The challenge is to establish family friendly policies that reflect the reality of the workplace and meet the many diverse needs of employees. A partnership approach in the workplace is the best way in which this issue should be addressed in order to achieve tailor made solutions to the benefit of the workforce and the employer.

I believe the work of the national framework committee, allied to a partnership approach in the workplace between employers, employees and trade unions, and appropriate legislative measures, such as carer's leave, can achieve the goal of making workplaces family friendly.

Question No. 71 answered with Question No. 20.