Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2004
127 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if employees can work seven days per week; the provisions there are in relation to such working arrangements (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17395/04]
View answerFor each day an employee is entitled to 11 consecutive hours off under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. In a period of seven days, an employee is entitled to a total of 35 consecutive hours off, that is, 24 hours plus the 11 hours for the preceding day. When an employee works 14 days but did not receive the 24 hour rest period after seven days, he or she is entitled to a total of 59 consecutive hours off, that is, two days — 48 hours — plus 11 hours for the previous day. If, after working 14 days an employee does not receive 59 consecutive hours off, he or she is entitled to two separate rest periods of 35 consecutive hours each.
Certain transport employees are not entitled to the above rest periods. Employees who work in sectors in which the rate of production or provision of services will vary significantly from time to time and employees who are directly involved in ensuring continuity of production or continuity in the provision of services are also exempt from the above rest periods. These employees, however, are entitled to compensatory rest, that is, any hours of rest forgone must be made up to them by their employer.
