Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004
215 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the European working time directive can be changed; if so, the process for making such changes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10054/04]
View answerOn 30 December 2003, the European Commission launched a communication — addressed to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions — regarding the review of Directive 93/104/EC concerning certain aspects of the organisation of working time. The Commission has called for all interested parties, including the social partners, to respond to the issues raised in the communication regarding the current operation of the directive with a view to its revision. The deadline for replies is 31 March 2004. On completion of the review, the Commission will invite the social partners to reach an agreement on an amendment of the directive, failing which the Commission itself will bring forward a proposal, by the summer, for a revision of the directive.
