asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state what action by inspection or otherwise is taken by his Department to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Conditions of Employment Act; the number of cases in which he has authorised the taking of proceedings against employers who laid off workers so as to avoid allowing them holidays with pay; whether he is aware that an employee of the Great Southern Railways not then entitled to annual leave was laid off without pay during the week that his colleagues were on holidays in August last, and, if so, whether in this case any action will be taken.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Conditions of Employment Act.
The Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, is enforced by factory inspectors appointed under the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901, and the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1939, which amended certain provisions of the Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, is enforced by inspectors appointed under that Act. Proceedings have not been brought against any employer for failing to comply with the conditions as regards the granting of annual leave with pay as any complaints which were received could not be substantiated by the inspectors. Proceedings were instituted under the Conditions of Employment Act, 1936, against two employers for permitting an employee to do industrial work on a public holiday. In one case, the charge was dismissed and in the other the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907, was applied. I have no information that an employee of the Great Southern Railways was illegally deprived of his annual leave, but if the Deputy would send information to my Department inquiries will be made.