Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - EU Directives.

Seán Haughey

Question:

125 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position regarding EU Council Directive 97/81/EC, which deals with part-time workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3558/02]

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

The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act, 2001 – (No. 45 of 2001), which came into operation on 20 December 2001, implements EU Council Directive 97/81/EC in Irish law.

The main purpose of the Act is to provide that a part-time employee cannot be treated in a less favourable manner than a comparable full-time employee in relation to conditions of employment; to provide that all employee protection legislation applies to a part-time employee in the manner already applying to a full-time employee; to improve the quality of part-time work; to facilitate the development of part-time work on a voluntary basis; and to contribute to the flexible organisation of working time in a manner which takes into account the needs of employers and workers.