asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether representations have been made to him from time to time that it is desirable to amend the Shops Act, 1912, so as to bring the non-urban districts within its provisions, to secure its administration by a Central Authority, and to regulate hours of work; and whether, having regard to an undertaking given to a deputation in connection with the matter, two years ago, he is prepared to introduce proposals for legislation to secure these objects.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - AMENDMENT OF SHOPS ACT.
I have received representations on this subject, and one recently presented is now under consideration. So far it has not been found practicable to give favourable consideration to these representations, which cover a very wide field. It is not proposed at present to introduce legislative proposals on the subject, there being other more urgent matters which require prior attention.
Is the Minister aware that many shop assistants in rural areas are called upon to work exceptionally long hours in unhealthy and stuffy atmospheres without even the privilege of a half-holiday; and in view of the fact that the Act is not in operation outside urban areas, does the Minister not consider that shop assistants in rural areas should be entitled to some consideration, and would he not see that legislation is introduced to make the Act applicable in rural areas?
The type of statement that the Deputy has made has been made by other people, but for the reason I have stated, that there are more urgent matters requiring prior attention there is no intention to introduce legislative proposals at the moment on these lines.
Does the Minister not consider it is an urgent matter, seeing that the health of these shop assistants is detrimentally affected by the long hours that they work, and that they have no half-holiday?
The Deputy speaks as if all these allegations were accepted as facts. They are not.
But surely the Minister does not deny that shop assistants in rural areas are called upon to work exceptionally long hours?
I have not any evidence of the exceptionally long hours. That is just the type of consideration that has to be given to a question like this before legislation can be brought in.
I would be able to furnish the Minister with thousands of cases where they are called upon to work for very long hours.
And every one of these thousands of cases would have to be examined before the legislation was introduced.
If legislation were introduced it would not be necessary.
It would be necessary prior to the introduction of the legislation. In order to verify what the Deputy states cases would have to be examined.